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During the summer of this year 17 properties were released for occupation including 12 houses and five adaptable bungalows offering affordable, energy efficient accommodation for the new residents.
On completion the project in total will have delivered 96 houses, five bungalows and 30 sheltered apartments along with enhanced open spaces and improved pedestrian and cycle access.
The new homes are being funded partially by a grant from Homes England and are managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing who also manage around 5,000 properties on Blackpool Council’s behalf.
Key features of the scheme
Design
The scheme is not only providing new properties offering family accommodation but also new homes that can be easily modified for specialist needs to provide independent living space.
A number of wheelchair users have already moved into the bungalow accommodation which will be more suitable for their needs. The bungalows have generous open living space and level access to all the entrances so that the bungalows are creating an empowering and life changing living space.
Energy efficiency
Grange Park is the largest council estate in Blackpool with homes mostly 1940s and 1970s. It is forming an important part of the council’s climate emergency declaration goals to make the council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030 and achieve 100% clean energy across the council’s full functions by 2030.
An additional £1.1m project is underway that is seeing houses retrofitted to improve energy efficiency, Groundwork eco-coaches working with residents to help them understand energy consumption and additional work completed to install solar technology at the community centre.
Funding from the European Regional Development Fund is supporting the installation of air source heat pumps in 30 of the homes. The council has also invested in additional building fabric insulation and 4.8 kw solar panel units and battery on each property. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessments for the first 17 properties are all A rated, the most energy efficient rating.
Resident Leanne Griffin who moved into a four bed semi-detached house in Grange Park with her family, said:
“I've recently transitioned from a dilapidated privately rented house to a pristine council new build, all thanks to Blackpool Council following a challenging year and a half of homelessness alongside our children.
“Now, in our new residence, I am deeply grateful to Blackpool Council for providing us with this fresh start. Additionally, the Royal British Legion has generously kitted out our house with new essentials.
“What's even more remarkable is that our new home is one of the new green houses, equipped with a heat pump and solar panels. The electricity bills are surprisingly lower than I thought they would be, adding to our relief and gratitude.
“Due to my disability, mobility has been a significant challenge, but the provision of a downstairs toilet has restored a sense of independence I thought I had lost. It has, quite literally, transformed my life, and I feel like a renewed individual. Thank you, Blackpool Council and the Royal British Legion, for making this possible.”
Community benefits and social value
Local firm RP Tyson Construction was appointed as the principal contractor for the development and has delivered multiple additional community benefits from job opportunities to helping local school children gain insight into careers, as well as setting up a fund to support community groups and activities within the estate.
Twelve apprentices have been employed and retained alongside the creation of new jobs for three site operatives who were previously unemployed.
The company has hosted many learning skills events and work place experiences for school pupils across the town including a bricklaying site visit for the Boathouse Youth Centre, a construction day for the Christ the King School and work placements for St Mary’s Academy in their joinery workshop. In addition the company’s employees have raised over £2,000 for local charities.
Nick Bell, Construction Director of Tyson Construction, said,
“This construction site is brilliant for both our apprentices and those employed by our subcontractors. It’s such a busy site, the apprentices are learning a lot, improving their skills and being able to work closely with other trades is immensely rewarding.”
Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – Place with responsibilities for Strategic Housing, said:
“It is wonderful to see the first residents move into their new homes. This is a scheme that the council and Blackpool can be proud of.
“The Grange Park homes will help meet local housing needs ranging from 1 bedroom apartments to 6 bedroom houses designed for larger families which are also more energy efficient.
“Once this project is fully complete more than 400 new homes will have been built since 2018. It is one of many significant investment schemes and projects across the town that is making Blackpool better, creating jobs and encouraging skills through apprenticeships.”
Jeremy Whittle, Managing Director of Tyson Construction, said:
We are delighted to be constructing this new housing development. Blackpool is our home and we are committed to delivering great homes for local people and at the same time having a positive impact on our local community by employing locally based subcontractors, providing valuable jobs and supporting apprentices.”
Project management of the scheme is being delivered on behalf of the council by Blackpool Housing Company. Cassidy + Ashton architects were lead designers, developing the designs following conversations with the local community, Boundary Primary School, @theGrange and local stakeholders.
Dominic Read-Garrett, project architect at Cassidy +Ashton, said:
“We are excited to see how the site contributes to the local community and acts as a catalyst of positive development for the wider area. This project is of particular personal importance having grown up within a half-mile of the site.
“It’s fantastic to see the provision of essential housing for the community designed and constructed with longevity and adaptability in mind. The success of the project is as a result of the collaboration of a dedicated, passionate and forward thinking team that have listened to the local community to deliver a high quality development.”
The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2024.
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