Member Article

​Hartlepool’s Regeneration: First tenants given a warm welcome to new homes

The first tenants have been welcomed in to their brand new affordable homes in Alexandra Square, Hartlepool.

Mrs Carole Walls and her husband Markhave been enjoying spending time in their new home on the site of the £8 million new build project, which has been developed in partnership between locally-based Endeavour Housing Association,Keepmoat Homes, the Homes and Communities Agency and Hartlepool Council.

The couple, who have been married for almost 30 years, have always lived in Hartlepool and already feel very settled.

Mrs Walls, who works as a cook at a local nursing home, said: “I love my house. I’m born and bred in Hartlepool. I lived over in the West View area before and this is the first time I’ve lived on this side of town. My new neighbours are all so lovely. It’s great.

“My son and his children live further away, but my daughter isjust around the corner. It’s wonderful to be near some of the family.”

Mrs Walls’ daughter, Claire Bloor, has also moved into one of the new homes at Alexandra Square, withher husband Stephen and her two youngestchildren - Elliott, age 9, and Jacob, age 4. Mrs Walls said: “It’s great to be able to see the young grandkids and to have them nearby. The little’un is so funny. You could have been having the worst day and he’ll come over and cheer you right up. He brightens my day.”

Angela Lockwood, Group Chief Executive at North Star Housing Group, which includes Endeavor Housing Associationsaid: “We’re very pleased to be able to welcome Mrs Walls and her family to Alexandra Square and we wish them,and all our tenants, all the best in their new home.

“Mrs Walls’ family is amongst the first in this brand new fledgling community in the heart of Hartlepool. These homes are affordable,high quality, spacious accommodation, built and finished to an exceptionally high standard. We’re hoping that this new development will help grow a strong sense of community and long term sustainability in the area.

“All our new homes meet current energy efficiency standards, making them more eco friendly and economical to run.All of this means our new tenants have homes that they can be proud of.”

Mrs Walls, 60, said: “I can’t wait for the rest of the houses to be finished so more people can move in.”

Ian Prescott, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, said: “Alexandra Square proves that the construction of affordable, high-quality housing alongside attractive and spacious new private housing can regenerate a neighbourhood and transform a local community. The fantastic reaction we’ve had from Mrs Walls and other local residents about these new homes is a testament to the comprehensive work that has been carried out by all the partnerson this project.”

Karen Anderson, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency said, “It is great to see people move into these homes, the first 16 of 25 good quality affordable homes on the site. Altogether, the HCA will contribute over £430,000 towards the new homes, which should make a real difference to housing choice in this part of Hartlepool”

Councillor Robbie Payne, chair of Hartlepool Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “This development is partnership working at its best. I am delighted that the residents who have moved in already feel at home and part of a community. These affordable homes are giving people a great start in life.”

The new development is part of ongoing regeneration plans for Hartlepool, in response to the need for new, modern, energy efficient housing in the area. Endeavour Housing Association worked closely with Hartlepool Council and Keepmoat Homes to develop the 25 affordabletwo, three and fourbedroomaffordable family homes and sit alongside a further 58 homes for private sale. And with work continuing, there will soon be many more new homes for local families – with the final rented properties due to be completed next spring.

For more information on becoming an Endeavour tenant, contact the customer service team on 03000 11 00 11

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by North Star Housing Group .