DISCUS RESIDENTS GET READY TO MOVE INTO THEIR NEW HOMES (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

DISCUS RESIDENTS GET READY TO MOVE INTO THEIR NEW HOMES

January 29, 2010 12:00 AM

The first of the new homes at the development on the former Discus bungalows site are almost complete and will be ready for residents to move in next month.

The first 12 tenants will move into their new homes at the St Ann's Court Site on 3rd February, with a further 15 tenants set to move into homes on the Richmond Street site in March.

The development will provide a total of 196 properties across the three sites, including 60 bungalows and 41 extra care apartments for rent in an extra care facility at St Ann's Court and other affordable homes.

The tenants of the former Discus bungalows who have been allocated new homes in the development have already been to visit their new homes and have been involved in choosing their new kitchens and bathrooms.

Residents have also been involved in shaping the designs of the homes to ensure they meet their own needs and those of other older people.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, Councillor Jonathan Morley said, "It is good to see the homes being completed on this site and people preparing to move in. The houses look great and I look forward to having a closer look round soon."

Councillor Morley said that residents of the former bungalows had been involved all the way through the process of redeveloping the site. He said, "A lot of effort has gone into making sure residents were consulted at every stage of the process."

"Importantly they have been involved in shaping the design and specifications of the new homes. This will ensure that these homes meet the needs of residents and make it easier for them to retain their independence."

Councillor Sue Galloway, who was involved in the early stages of the development said she would like to thank the residents for their support during the project.

She said, "The residents really helped this project by getting on board and helping make the whole process a success. Their feedback was vital in ensuring the new development will meet the needs not only of the current residents but the needs of people who will live in these homes in the future. This development sets a benchmark which other developers should look to follow."

The £20m scheme is being delivered thanks to a partnership between City of York Council, York Housing Association, Southdale Homes and Tees Valley Housing.

Councillor Morley also thanked the Homes and Communities Agency for their support on the project. He said, "We appreciate the financial support form the Homes and Communities Agency provided following their talks with Council Leader Andrew Waller, which helped keep the project going."

"Without their support it is unlikely that this project would have been able to continue."