Latest News

24/03/2010
New Tenants Take up Residence

Four tenants received the keys to their brand new two bedroom homes from Freebridge Community Housing Chairman, Michael Stone, in a ceremony to mark the completion of Freebridge’s first new development. Work began on site in September 2009 with the Mayor of Downham Market symbolically digging the first spade of earth on site.

The new tenants said they were very excited about the prospect of moving in and were delighted with the standard of the properties.  One tenant had waited over a year for a suitable property and couldn’t wait to move in. 

The Chairman said “We are absolutely delighted that the build at Elizabeth Avenue is now completed.  “I would also like to thank our tenants who were involved in the decision making process to release land from their gardens to make the new build possible.  I am delighted to be on site today to be handing over the keys to these new properties; this is the first of a number of new developments that Freebridge is planning.  

He added:  With the expertise of local companies such as The Design Partnership and our main contractor E. N. Suiter and Sons, we have achieved a traditional build that is pleasing to see in a low volume development and one that fits into the local environment. 

Our thanks also to Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council and Downham Town Council for all their support with this project.  There is still a significant housing need in the area and we are committed to delivering affordable housing that will benefit the community as a whole.” 

Elizabeth Avenue is Freebridge Community Housing’s first new build development for the e2 Consortium, which is made up of 5 locally based independent housing associations, committed to developing and delivering a range of affordable homes across East Anglia. 

The development consists of 4x2-bedroom houses with parking and private gardens, built in a traditional style and meeting level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Lifetime Homes Criteria. The homes are accessible for all people, young and old, families, disabled and non-disabled, ensuring that all spaces are utilised effectively. Each home also benefits from the latest water and energy saving devices. 

Alistair Beales, Councillor at Kings’ Lynn Borough Council commented: “The Borough Council is pleased to be working with Freebridge Community Housing to help support the provision of much needed new affordable housing. The Council continues to work with a number of Registered Social Landlord partners to support the delivery of affordable housing.” 

The homes were funded by the Homes and Communities Agency which each year invests over £2.89 billion pounds in creating affordable homes all over England. Terry Fuller, Director of the Homes and Communities Agency in the East of England said: "Elizabeth Avenue demonstrates how the HCA’s National Affordable Housing Programme is being delivered in the region.  It brings forward our aim to secure high quality affordable housing, creating sustainable communities where people chose to live and stay.”

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