Pictured above: Andrew Griffiths MP (centre) celebrates with John Jackson, Trent & Dove Board Member (left of AG) Cllr Patricia Ackroyd, Deputy Mayor ESBC (right of AG) and Eddie Davis, chairman, William Davis Ltd (right of plaque) together with school children from Paget High School and Grange Community School

Festivities were in full swing recently to celebrate the opening of Charrington House, a new affordable housing development that has rejuvenated the gateway into Burton on Trent.

Council leaders, dignitaries, local school children and street entertainers joined project partners Trent & Dove, Loughborough based contractor and developer William Davis Ltd and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to witness Burton MP Andrew Griffiths cut the ribbon to officially open 34 'city living' apartments on the site of the former Trading Standards offices.

Designed in close consultation with planners and the local community, Charrington House reflects both the heritage of the town and the iconic building that once occupied its prominent position opposite the Magistrates Court and adjacent the Trent & Dove HQ on Horninglow Street.  

The £3.5m development comprises 16 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments with parking and communal landscaped area available for shared ownership and social rent.

Andrew Griffiths, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter said: "In developing Charrington House, Trent and Dove have built to the highest possible specification in terms of energy efficiency, quality and attractiveness.  They can be very proud to be building homes that people will be delighted to live in for years to come.

"Charrington House is situated on a major gateway into Burton and has done a great deal to improve the attractiveness of the area."

Ron Dougan, chief executive, Trent & Dove said: "Charrington House is our flagship scheme in Burton. Located on a key gateway to the town centre, the new building has transformed the area with its modern exterior that also reflects Burton's proud brewing heritage. 

The new building is packed with the latest technology, including photo-voltaics which produce electricity from the sun. This will reduce fuel bills and help the environment by reducing harmful CO2 emissions.

We would like to thank all those who made Charrington House possible, including the Homes and Communities Agency for their £1.4m investment into the scheme, Burton Civic Society and East Staffordshire Borough Council Planners who gave helpful advice on design, the architects and builders, Matrix consortium and our development team here at Trent & Dove Housing."

Eddie Davis, chairman, William Davis Ltd said: "This development has breathed new life into the entrance to the town of Burton upon Trent and we are extremely proud to have been part of this transformation.

"Our relationship with Trent & Dove has flourished over the past few years and the celebrations here today are a testament to the significance of both the rejuvenation of the area and the steadfast partnership.

The scheme has been part-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency for England.