The final and key milestone was reached in the regeneration of the former Abbey Park estate in Halifax on Friday 24 June as the development was officially completed.
Visiting the £11.6 million Valley Heights development in Illingworth, Halifax politicians along with representatives from Together Housing Group, Calderdale Council and Lovell Partnerships, saw first-hand how affordable housing has been boosted in the local area.
Hilary Brady, Director of Development for Together Housing, said:
“Our strong partnership work and support from Homes England has enabled us build these new homes in Halifax. As a social landlord it is important for us to ensure that we provide affordable and good quality homes. Visiting the development and seeing these properties occupied gives me confidence that we at Together Housing are helping to build local communities and bring positive change in the lives of local people.”
During the visit Together Housing explained the need for affordable housing in the area and representatives in attendance including Holly Lynch MP, and Councillor Stephanie Clarke visited some of the properties on the development meeting with tenants.
Holly Lynch, MP said:
“My office is contacted everyday by those in need of high-quality, affordable homes. It was great to see the 82 new homes that have been built at Abbey Park in Illingworth. I’m especially pleased that five local apprentices were employed to help complete the works.”
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, said:
“Thanks to a real team effort, it’s great to see the new, high-quality homes completed and having a positive impact on local people’s lives. The Calderdale Together Housing Investment Partnership has brought much-needed affordable housing to Illingworth and a previously unused site back into use. This complements the major ongoing investment into an exciting future for North Halifax, and the wider regeneration across the whole borough, in support of our vision to create vibrant and sustainable places.”
The 83 homes built are now occupied on the former Abbey Park estate. 63 of these via affordable rent and the remaining have been sold through shared ownership via Together Homes. The development comprises 42 three-bedroom houses, 33 two-bedroom houses and eight two-bedroom bungalows.
Lovell built the homes employing five apprentices from the area whilst doing so.
Robert Adams, regional managing director at Lovell, said:
“At Lovell, we’re committed to creating communities that people can thrive in and be proud to call home. It’s been a pleasure to work with Together Housing on the Valley Heights developments, while bringing fantastic affordable housing to Illingworth, Halifax. Now that the site is complete, we are excited to welcome the buyers into their new homes, which we hope they love as much as we do.”
Construction work began in 2020 as the pandemic took hold of the country. The site off North Selby was formerly for residential use and had comprised two-storey housing and flats which were demolished in 2016 after standing derelict for several years.
These homes contribute to the Government’s wider ‘Levelling Up’ agenda and the scheme is part of the Calderdale Together Housing Investment Partnership (CTHIP), a partnership between Calderdale Council and Together Housing Group, which is committed to deliver up to 650 new homes over five years from 2018 to 2023. Funding for this development was also made possible through Together Housing’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England.