Residents at the newly completed Beech Hill community in Halifax, came together to celebrate the annual Great Get Together.
Over 100 residents who recently moved into their new homes joined social housing landlord, Together Housing and local partners to mark the Great Get Together, celebrating diversity whilst coming together for the first time as a complete community.
The Great Get Together held on 21st June to 23rd June, is the UK’s annual celebration of everything that unites communities, launched in honour of the late Jo Cox, former MP for Batley and Spen who held the belief that ‘we have more in common than that which divides us’.
On what would have been the late MP’s 50th birthday, the Beech Hill community came together in a brilliant show of community spirit at Beech Hill Primary School to meet fellow residents and mingle with local families.
Representatives of local organisations including Calderdale Council, Esh Construction and local charity, Newground Together welcomed families to the area with a range of fun activities, food and useful information.
Organised by Together Housing, the event also provided an opportunity for residents to come together for the first time following the completion of the new build site and refurbishment works to nearby properties.
Construction on the dynamic project to redevelop the Beech Hill site began in 2021 following the demolition of three derelict tower blocks to make way for 106 new affordable homes and the delivery of external insulation works and other energy efficiency improvements to 70 affordable homes.
Delivery of the project has further developed the partnership between Calderdale Council, Esh Construction and Together Housing.
Kevin Ruth, Chief Executive Officer for Together Housing said:
“It’s been a pleasure to have so many new and familiar Beech Hill residents join us in celebrating the Great Get Together in memory of the late Jo Cox. The Beech Hill community has grown day by day since the redevelopment began and to see everyone come together with local partners only emphasises the message behind the annual event; to form strong, united and compassionate communities.
“We’re grateful for the local organisations and partners who joined us in creating a wonderful day for all and for the residents who have transformed a development site into a flourishing community for all.”
“It was a pleasure to engage with children and young people on the day and give them an insight into careers in construction while also talking to them about what we’ve been up to on site.”
Calderdale Council’s Director for Regeneration and Strategy, Shelagh O’Neill, said:
“We’re proud of the work that has taken place at Beech Hill, with great partnership work helping to regenerate the area, with the creation of over 100 new affordable homes and the refurbishment of 70 existing homes.
“We were delighted to support the Great Get Together event, which provided the opportunity for residents in the new and refurbished properties to come together, meet neighbours and enjoy a celebration for all the community.”
Contractor, Esh Construction, delivered 106 affordable homes at the award-winning Beech Hill development. Esh’s Social Value Manager, Megan Roberts, was eager to get involved with the Great Get Together event. She commented: “We are extremely grateful to neighbouring residents and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation throughout our time on site, therefore we were more than happy to attend the event that brings the community together.