Norwich’s council housing received another boost this week as new homes at Bullard Road were unveiled.
The site, previously used as a Norwich City Council housing office, has been converted into six new homes. This means a mix of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses have been added to the city’s housing stock available for social rent.
Let through the council’s Home Options scheme, each property has now been allocated and tenants will move in later this month.
This follows the completion of almost 100 new council homes at Goldsmith Street, which is receiving nationwide plaudits, and is the first social housing scheme to be nominated for the prestigious Stirling Prize by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
The Bullard Road properties have been delivered by the council’s wholly owned development company, Norwich Regeneration Company, set up to help meet demand for new homes across the city and seek commercial opportunities to generate much-needed income.
As well as raising the buildings’ energy efficiency rating from a grade E to grade B, each property has been finished with additional details, including fitted clothes rails and shelving; some small but important details when settling in to a new home.
Converting the office into homes also saw the company deliver its first modular construction, with one of the kitchens built in a factory away from the site, transported to Norwich and attached to the property at the end of the building process. Benefits of this construction method include speed, quality and a reduction of waste during the build.
Councillor Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for social housing, said: “These beautiful homes are another example of our commitment to providing high quality housing for Norwich residents.
“Government cuts and the loss of council homes through Right to Buy means we need to be innovative to fulfil our housing ambitions – something we’re not afraid to embrace.
“This development represents a fantastic use of resources and is a welcome addition to housing available in the city.”
Mike Stonard, board chairman of Norwich Regeneration Company, said: “These properties represent our core values of building high quality, sustainable homes which have been delivered on time and to budget.
“They also show the company’s continued commitment to help meet housing need in the city for present and future generations of our residents.”
Norwich Regeneration Company is also overseeing the creation of homes at Rayne Park, Bowthorpe; with properties ranging from 1-bed apartments to 5-bed family available to rent and purchase.
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