In partnership with residents and local authorities we are developing new approaches for turning unpopular estates and deprived areas into sustainable communities. We are the chosen regeneration partner for two of the Government-funded ‘New Deal for Communities’ areas in the south west, at Barton Hill in Bristol and Devonport Urban Village in Plymouth. Over five years, these major urban renewal schemes will produce 250 new affordable homes including properties for sub-market rent and sale.
Sustainable regeneration
To regenerate an area for the long term requires more than bricks and mortar. It requires leadership and a sense of ownership from the local community. As well as providing a mix of housing stock that enables people to remain in the area, it requires investment in education, health, employment, leisure and the community.
Urban regeneration: employment
Developing new homes in Barton Hill gave us the chance to give local people work experience so that they could get jobs in the construction industry. Through our Construction Links programme we have created eight new jobs, offered 12 NVQ level 2/3 apprenticeships and helped 11 people pass construction skills training. We employ a construction links coordinator to support local people in training and employment, and to act as a point of contact in the local community.
