WORK STARTS ON 32 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES ON SEVEN CITY SITES

Work has started to build 32 affordable homes for rent on seven separate brownfield sites across Norwich, in a partnership between Norwich City Council and Orwell Housing Association.

City Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for social housing Cllr Gail Harris joined senior development officer at Orwell Housing Association Kelly Biddle and Paul Pitcher from contractor Wellington to cut the first sod at one of the sites off Cowgate, where two flats are to be built.

The site is one of seven former garage and car parking sites which have been allocated for affordable housing by the City Council.  The other sites are on Armes Street (two sites), Bowers Avenue, Northumberland Street, Rye Avenue and West Pottergate.

“The city has a pressing need for affordable homes, so it is good to see these small sites being brought back into use as good quality housing,” said Cllr Harris.  “This is a good example of how working in partnership can bring a project forward and turn plans into reality.”

The development of the new homes is being overseen by Orwell Housing Association, a longstanding social housing provider which manages over 4,300 homes in East Anglia.

Kelly Biddle from Orwell commented, “Developing multiple small sites like this presents its own challenges, but it is an effective way of providing new affordable homes and re-using parcels of land in the city which are not being used to their full potential. 

“These seven sites follow on from similar developments which we have carried out before in Norwich, and the result will be 32 new affordable homes for people to rent.”

The new homes are being built by Lowestoft-based contractor Wellington, which has a long track record of delivering affordable homes for local authorities and housing associations in the region.  Managing director Paul Pitcher said, “We are delighted once again to be working with Orwell Housing, who are working in partnership with Norwich City Council.

“We look forward to handing over these 32 new homes between the end of this summer and the beginning of next year.”