23 February 2011
Widdrington Open Day for Locals to Register their interest
Dudley the Dunelm Elephant
Two Castles Housing Association and Dunelm Property Services hosted an open day to provide more information about the transformation of former pub site, The Willows in Widdrington Station, Morpeth, into high quality, affordable housing.
Taking place on Monday 28 February from 2pm to 7pm in the Community Centre on Grange Road, Widdrington, Two Castles and Dunelm invited the local community to the open day to find out more about the development programme and how to register for one of the new homes.
Two Castles staff were on hand to answer questions about the scheme which will transform the former Willows Public House into 22 new affordable homes available for rent and low cost home ownership.
Speaking about the scheme, Rob Brittain, Property Services Director at Two Castles Housing Association, said: “Two Castles Housing Association is committed to providing high quality, affordable homes and there is a definite demand for this in Widdrington.
“We are extremely pleased to have commenced demolition of the old building which has stood empty and derelict for over five years and completion is anticipated in December 2011. We take very seriously the work we do to ensure it positively affects the communities we work with and, by demolishing the former pub, we will provide affordable homes in Widdrington which further endorse our ongoing commitment.”
The development, which will be built by North East company Dunelm Property Services and includes 17 homes for rent and 5 available for shared ownership – has secured £1.1m in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and £36,717 from Northumberland County Council.
The scheme, including eight bungalows, five, two bedroom houses and nine, three bedroom houses will be among the first in Northumberland to reach Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.
In addition to Dunelm Property Services, the scheme has also seen Two Castles work closely with Northumberland County Council, HMH Architects, Elliott Associates and Area Training and Activity Centre (ATAC) - a community group occupying an adjacent site.
The homes will also be built to the Lifetime Homes Standard, meeting specific design criteria to support the changing needs of individuals and families at different stages of life. Features will include wider hallways able to accommodate wheelchairs and appropriate space for the installation of a stair lift.
For more information regarding The Willows site, visit the Two Castles website on www.twocastles.org.uk or call/email Diane Cooper on 0191 261 4774/ diane.cooper@twocastles.org.uk.
