Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Lisa Nandy MP, has visited Beech Hill in Halifax to view the latest progress on the £16.5 million regeneration scheme.
Lisa Nandy MP was joined by senior representatives from Together Housing Group, Esh Construction and Calderdale Council as well as Holly Lynch MP and a local resident representative. The visit showcased the social impact of affordable housing and provided a glimpse into one of the new properties.
Construction work has been ongoing in the Beech Hill area since 2018 where the demolition of three derelict high-rise blocks, a former council depot and retail units paved the way for 106 new affordable homes.
A variety of different sized homes are being constructed, ranging from two-bedroom to five bedrooms, with all properties available for affordable rent. The new neighbourhood will feature public open space and landscaping, as well as a cycle route and parking facilities.
Esh was appointed to deliver the new build homes on behalf of Together Housing Group after the scheme was procured via Efficiency North. Work got underway in late 2020.
Esh Construction’s Operations Director, Simon Woodward said “The new build homes at Beech Hill are key in the redevelopment of the area and we are delighted to be playing our part. By working with Esh as a local contractor to deliver this scheme provides economic benefits and opportunities for the area through our ethos of procuring a local supply chain and employing a local workforce – an important factor in the levelling up agenda.”
George Paterson, Executive Director of Property at Together Housing, said: “It’s important that politicians from all parties understand the importance of social housing so it was great for the Shadow Minister to see and hear what we do.
“Together Housing is building 106 new homes for affordable rent at Beech Hill and many more across Calderdale as part of the Calderdale Together Housing Investment Partnership, but that work is just the tip of the iceberg.
“Social housing creates new local jobs, invests in raising aspirations in the community and supports people to become financially self-sufficient. If we’re looking at levelling up the playing-field, Together Housing in partnership with the local council are key in making sure Calderdale remains a great place to live.”
Visitors heard how the partnership between Together Housing, the Council, and Esh Construction works closely in consultation with the local community. The development is part of the Calderdale Together Housing Investment Partnership (CTHIP) which was established to jointly deliver up to 650 affordable homes across Calderdale from 2018-23.
The new build homes at Beech Hill are key in the redevelopment of the area and we are delighted to be playing our part. By working with Esh as a local contractor to deliver this scheme provides economic benefits and opportunities for the area through our ethos of procuring a local supply chain and employing a local workforce - an important factor in the levelling up agenda."
