1 NOVEMBER 2007
FAMILY FIRST’S HELPING HAND FOR TENANTS
Nottingham people looking for homes for affordable rent will be able to move in quicker thanks to recycling and housing charity Family First, part of the LHA-ASRA group.
Family First will now collect unwanted furniture and electrical items that has been left in socially rented homes when tenants have moved out.
It means the homes can be re-let quicker, less furniture is taken to landfill when the homes are being prepared to be re-let and those items can then be donated to those in need.
Any furniture that is not suitable for re-distributing will be sold in Family First’s charity shops at Kilbourn Street, in Nottingham, and Low Street, in Sutton-In-Ashfield.
Family First helps people who are setting up home for the first time, for whom essential furniture and white goods, such as washing machines and fridges, can be prohibitively expensive.
Family First is going to operate the new system in its own 400 homes in Nottinghamshire. Should the scheme be successful it may be rolled out to sister organisation LHA or other registered social landlords in the area.
Managing Director of Family First, Patrick Taylor, said: “The great thing about this new system is that it’s so simple and everyone will benefit.
“New tenants can move into their homes quicker, we’re helping the environment by recycling unwanted furniture and people who are in need are given a helping hand by Family First.”
During 2006-07 Family First collected 8,500 items, benefiting 1,100 tenants.
It has six vans which collect donations from the general public and businesses across Nottinghamshire. The items are checked, cleaned, reconditioned and distributed where they are needed most by a team of volunteers.
As well as furniture, Family First collects children’s clothing, buggies, cots, highchairs and toys through our Kidstuff project, and distribute to people on low incomes.
Donations of furniture, white goods, children’s clothing and children’s items are always welcome. Volunteers are also always needed. Call: 0800 013 0497.
LANDMARK SCHEME FOR 200 NEW HOMES IN LEICESTER GIVEN THE GO AHEAD
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Two historic mill buildings in Leicester will be transformed into a landmark scheme of 200 new homes by the LHA-ASRA Group after planners gave it the green light.
LHA submitted a planning application for the £25million project to convert the buildings, known locally as the Sangra and Shonki buildings, on Abbey Park Street in Belgrave.
Leicester-based architects RG-P have designed the scheme to provide a range of one and two bedroom apartments and a number of penthouse apartments with terraces giving views over Abbey Park.
Some of the apartments will be sold outright, and some for shared ownership. Prices will vary on each apartment, with one-bedroom apartments starting at £115,000 and two-bedrooms at £125,000.
Many of the homes will front onto the Grand Union Canal and a feature raised garden in the outside area will be communal to all residents.
Robert Nettleton, Group Regeneration Director of LHA-ASRA, said: “We are incredibly excited about this project. This is a landmark scheme not only for Belgrave and Leicester but for the East Midlands.
“It will provide the people of Leicester with the opportunity to purchase a home full of individuality in a unique position and will make the most of these historic buildings.”
Work is anticipated to start in autumn 2008 and will take up to two years to complete, although there will be some properties available earlier.
One of the mill buildings dates from 1888 while the other is from 1923. The hosiery company Wolsey originally occupied the premises, before it was divided up into industrial units in 1980s.
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According to Leicester City Council, there is a huge demand for one and two bedroom accommodation in the Belgrave ward and the adjoining Abbey Ward.