Leading UK housing provider Sanctuary Group is delighted to
announce the acquisition of 178 properties in Leicester from
Riverside Group.
The properties, a mixture of two, three, four and five bedroom
houses and a small number of flats, are all based in the Spinney
Hill and Highfields areas of Leicester, and were transferred to
Sanctuary this week.
Asra Midlands, Sanctuary's dedicated BME operation in the
region, already has an office and a substantial number of
properties nearby, making it ideally placed to provide a first
class service to residents from its Leicester-based
office.
Before the transfer went ahead, all Riverside tenants were given
the option to purchase their properties, with a number of sales
completed to date.
Ark Housing Consultancy has also played a major role in the
successful transfer, acting as Project Manager for Riverside,
working with both the tenants and other stakeholders to ensure a
smooth transition to Sanctuary.
David Bennett, Chief Executive for Sanctuary Group, said: "We
are delighted to have been chosen as preferred purchaser for the
Riverside properties in Leicester. Our proven local expertise
and track record as a provider of focused, first class services to
residents makes us perfectly placed to take on the homes in Spinney
Hill and Highfields.
"Riverside conducted a formal consultation with all residents
through its Resident Panel, newsletter, drop-in sessions,
questionnaires and letters, as well as working with independent
advisor Priority Estates Projects (PEP) to assist residents in
evaluating the proposal, and we are very happy to say there was a
positive response. We have worked closely with the team at
Riverside to ensure the transfer of properties went as smoothly as
possible, and residents have had the opportunity to speak to both
landlords about any queries or concerns they had."
Chris Flynn, Divisional Director of Riverside Midlands said:
"Riverside believes that transferring the homes to one stakeholder,
Sanctuary, will enable them to strengthen their interest and assist
them to become a major influence in driving forward plans for area
wide improvements."
David Bennett continued: "The successful transfer of Riverside
properties is just one example of how Sanctuary is looking to
consolidate stock in areas where we already operate, ensuring we
continue to provide more high quality affordable housing in England
and Scotland. There are a number of opportunities across the
country to take on housing that matches our current portfolio,
where we can step in and offer good local housing management and a
bright future for residents."