Circle Anglia's Outlook Place in Watford short-listed for Sustainable Design in 2010 Affordable Home Ownership Awards

The scheme was officially opened in December 2009 by South Anglia Housing, part of leading affordable housing provider Circle Anglia.

South Anglia Housing redeveloped the 1967’s build property into 37 new homes and the £4.1 million development received £1 million in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). 16 of the 1 bed homes are for renting to people in housing need on Watford Borough Council’s housing register and 12 are shared ownership properties. The shared ownership scheme, known as New Build HomeBuy, gives first time buyers the opportunity to buy their home in stages, whilst paying a subsidised rent on the remainder.

An additional nine four-bedroom houses for families on the local authority’s housing register were also developed on the site of Outlook Place to respond to the need for large family sized homes in the area.

Resident Emma Akwah said: “We couldn’t be happier here, the location is fantastic and we have an amazing view. The flat is lovely and South Anglia has been great from start to finish.”

Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, said: "I am really happy with this lovely new green development! Watford now has 37 new homes which are sustainable and affordable.

Nine of these 37 new homes have four bedrooms which is fantastic for families on the housing register. It's also great news that the 12 shared ownership flats have all sold, despite the economic climate."

Chris Ellison, Managing Director for South Anglia Housing, added: “This development is not just about providing apartments, but real homes in a community which is sustainable, that has a real impact on the Life Chances of local families and individuals. This all was made possible by the genuine partnership between Watford Borough Council and South Anglia Housing.”

The development was designed by award winning PTE Architects and constructed by Inspace Partnerships. The new homes are clad in a mixture of slate and timber to blend in with the site’s leafy surroundings. The scheme complies with Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and incorporates the use of high levels of insulation, solar thermal water heating and water-saving technology, ensuring heating and water bills are affordable for residents.

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Note to Editors
For further information please contact Maike Riedel at the Circle Anglia press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circleanglia.org.

About Circle Anglia
Circle Anglia is one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing. With a dedicated team of more than 2,200 staff, Circle Anglia manages more than 60,000 homes, including supported and sheltered housing, for around 200,000 people across the UK.

Its mission is to enhance the Life Chances of its residents by providing great homes and reliable services, and building sustainable communities.

The Circle Anglia group includes 12 partners. Nine registered providers (RPs): South Anglia Housing, Wherry Housing Association, Old Ford Housing Association, Circle 33 Housing Trust, Merton Priory Homes, Mole Valley Housing Association, Mercian Housing Association, Roddons Housing Association and Russet Homes; two support & care partners: EPIC Trust and Invicta Telecare, as well as Circle Living for sales and marketing and management of shared ownership, market rent and private sale properties, and property repairs through Anglia Maintenance Services.

For more information about Circle Anglia and its partners, please visit www.circleanglia.org.

Last modified 01/07/10