Braintree District Council has completed the construction of 12 new homes for social rent in Braintree’s town centre for Eastlight Community Homes.
The new homes in Victoria Street, owned by Eastlight Community Homes, form part of Braintree District Council’s Victoria Square town centre regeneration project.
Homes for social rent provide a truly affordable, secure housing option for people.
All 12 of the much-needed apartments have tenants waiting to move in.
The homes form part of the £30 million town centre regeneration project at Victoria Square which also includes a 70-bedroom Travelodge, Livewell hub, pharmacy, restaurant or café, new bus interchange, public toilets and a twin-level car park.
Eastlight’s investment, backed by a grant from Homes England, the government’s housing accelerator, means all of the regeneration project’s 35 apartments are affordable. The remaining 23 homes have helped households onto the property ladder through the shared ownership scheme.
Emma Palmer, Chief Executive of Eastlight Community Homes, said: “We are very much looking forward to handing over the keys so new tenants can enjoy living in these new homes for social rent. Working with our partners, we have ambitions to build thousands of new homes for those who need them in Braintree district and beyond in the years to come.”
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Skills at Braintree District Council, said: “Many people are finding it difficult to rent a home at a price point they can afford these days. These new homes cost less to rent than other options and will benefit hard working families and people in our communities on lower than average incomes. A grant received from Homes England has made this genuinely affordable option possible for residents in our district.”
