Families move into new eco homes

John Cousins - CSC Construction, Ruth Eckersely – Regenda Neighbourhood Officer, new resident to Athol Street Kathleen White and Regenda Development Officer Nick Stevenson

Ten families are moving into their brand new two bedroom bungalows in Athol Street, Hamer, thanks to The Regenda Group, after the official handover from contractor CSC Construction this week.

Each new tenant will be signed up this week during which they will receive the keys to their new home.

Development officer Nick Stevenson said: “Regenda has worked in partnership with Rochdale Council and the Homes and Communities Agency to deliver much needed bungalow accommodation for local residents.

“This new build development, which has cost over £900,000, has a number of environmentally friendly features including a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption, an ultra-efficient gas boiler, improved insulation and double glazing throughout.”

He continued: “The bungalows will also be awarded ‘Secure by Design’ accreditation which is a police initiative to encourage housebuilders to incorporate security features such as lighting, natural surveillance, secure windows and doors and defensive planting in the design of their homes."

The bungalows have been designed with the comfort of their residents in mind. They are partially adapted for wheelchair users and each one has a wet room with a grab rail.

Kathleen White, one of the residents moving into the new development said: “I am delighted with my new bungalow. I am currently living in a terraced house and need a property with a single level, so this is absolutely perfect for my son and me.”

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, cabinet member for performance and partnerships for Rochdale Council, said: “The Athol Street scheme is an excellent example of partnership working between the Council and Regenda to deliver the regeneration of a disused garage site and provide new energy efficient bungalow accommodation in an area of high housing need."

The development was funded by a grant of £542,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency and £60,000 from the Recycled Capital Grant Fund.