Eighteen families will be cooking the turkey and settling down in front of the TV in the comfort of their brand new homes, courtesy of Herefordshire Housing, which has completed the rebuild of the properties in Wood Edge in time to bring some festive cheer to residents.
Residents moved out of the estate near Ross-on-Wye while contractors knocked down their old concrete houses – because of irreversible damage to the concrete panels – and set about building the new homes.
Existing residents had a personal impact on the redevelopment and got involved in design choices in their homes, choosing their own kitchens, bathrooms and external doors.
They were also consulted about the layout and design of the new estate. Working with the residents, the housing association used local businesses to arrange removals, new carpets and curtains. The association also replaced certain items that had to be left behind.
The well insulated new homes have also been designed with energy efficiency in mind and so will be more cost effective to heat.
The early Christmas present has been welcomed by the families, Mrs Gardiner who has moved into a three-bedroom house on the estate said: “I just love the house, it’s absolutely fantastic and it’s great to be moved in before Christmas.”
This is the first phase of the project with the second phase due for completion towards the end of next year, when more new homes will be ready to be occupied.
A Herefordshire Housing spokesperson told the Journal: “The residents moved out while the redevelopment work was carried out and they have now moved back into modern, affordable homes in time for Christmas. We have had positive feedback from everyone.”
Local Councillor Anne Gray and Herefordshire Housing Chief Executive Peter Brown joined the local residents and building contractors Pearce to celebrate the occasion.
Herefordshire Housing Ltd is the largest social housing provider in the county with around 5,400 homes and the only social landlord operating solely in Herefordshire.
It was formed in November 2002 when Herefordshire Council transferred its properties under a Large Scale Voluntary Transfer.
