Pictured above: (l-r) Stuart Massey, SWAN project
director, Home Group; Cllr Denise Fox, councillor for Birley Ward,
and Stephen Fisher, business development manager, William Davis
Ltd, lift the 2011 date stone into place at the new homes at the
latest phase of the Weaklands development, South East
Sheffield
With the latest phase of the Weakland development in South East
Sheffield taking shape, project partners and local councilors
gathered on site to witness a commemorative date stone being
cemented into one of the new properties.
Representatives from Loughborough-based contractor and developer
William Davis Ltd, affordable housing provider Home Group and
Sheffield City Council celebrated this significant occasion at the
£6m affordable housing scheme, which forms part of the
regeneration of the Scowerdons, Weakland and Newstead
neighbourhoods.
When complete, the new development will comprise 54 two, three
and four bed high quality new homes built to meet Code for
Sustainable Homes level 3, comprising solar hot water and a SUDS
system (*Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme) which will help to
reduce energy costs for residents. The new homes will replace
previously unsuitable prefabricated dwellings built in the 1960s,
which were no longer fit for purpose.
Stephen Fisher, business development manager, William Davis Ltd
said: "This date stone commemorates a milestone in the
transformation of the Weakland Neighbourhood. Together with our
project partners, we are committed to building homes that residents
can be proud of and this stone will serve as permanent reminder of
the rejuvenation of this area."
Stuart Massey, SWaN project director for Home Group said: "Home,
as one of the country's leading affordable housing providers, are
pleased to mark this stage in the SW&N regeneration project
which will, with the completion of this phase, see over 200 high
quality new affordable homes being provided in the South East of
Sheffield"
Councillor Penny Baker, Sheffield City Council's cabinet member
for housing, regeneration and planning, said: "We are determined
that the regeneration of the city will continue even in the
challenging economic climate we are facing currently. This
development is a great example of high quality, energy efficient
homes being built in the city, to improve the quality of life of
residents."
Sarah Coutts, project manager from the Homes and Communities
Agency said: "This stone represents another important milestone for
the development and is a clear sign of the progress that is being
made in regenerating this area."
When complete in December 2011, Weakland phase two, designed by
Sheffield-based architects AA Design in consultation with residents
and the local authority, will provide a mix of homes for outright
sale, shared ownership and social rent.
* SUDS - The role of best management practices in alleviating
water quality problems associated with diffuse pollution.