SEVEN NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES AIMED AT ROUGH SLEEPERS HANDED OVER AT CEREMONY IN NORWICH

Seven new affordable homes aimed at helping rough sleepers off the streets have been handed over in Norwich – the culmination of a £1.3 million joint initiative between Norwich City Council and Broadland Housing Association.

The seven one-bedroom homes on Ketts Hill in the city have been built with support from the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme, which will also fund support workers to help the residents settle into their new homes and rebuild their lives.

At a ceremony to hand over the completed new homes, Cllr Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for social housing, joined Michael Newey, chief executive at Broadland Housing Association, along with representatives from the contractors who have been building the new homes.

The new homes have been built by Broadland Housing Association on land provided by Norwich City Council, which provided capital alongside grant funding from Homes England.

The seven one-bedroom homes have been built with a timber frame design for speed of construction and to ensure low embodied carbon.  Each home has its own small front garden. 

Cllr Harris said, ““The city council is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness, and through our successful collaborative work with partners like Broadland Housing Association, we are finding new and innovative ways to offer targeted support to those who need it.

“I’m thrilled to see these new homes handed over, which will provide the accommodation and support needed to help former rough sleepers live independent, happy lives. It is fantastic that each home has its own outdoor space, and I can’t wait to hear how the new residents settle in.”

Mr Newey added, “This site will provide high quality, affordable housing for those in desperate need of accommodation and support – another development which will transform lives.

“This project builds on the continual partnership working between the City Council and Broadland Housing Association in tackling some of the most difficult sites and developments to bring much needed affordable accommodation to the city.

“These much-needed homes will once again be built to the high quality standards we have for all our homes.  These new homes, in the heart of Norwich on a disused piece of land, will ensure that more people leave the streets and can have a home to call their own.”

Norwich-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood provided architectural and utility design services for the new homes; they were constructed by H Smith & Sons of Honingham, with the timber frame manufactured in Norfolk by Timber Frame Management.

Chris Stammers, Director and Architect at Ingleton Wood, said: “Ketts Hill provides immediate support for those in desperate housing need across Norwich and we are proud to have supported this vital community scheme.

“Featuring a contemporary take on a traditional terrace, Ketts Hill provides high-quality living accommodation and essential facilities within an attractive setting. The project has been an exemplar of positive multi-agency collaboration.”