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A scheme of 18 new affordable homes and a brand new community centre were officially opened 6th September in the north-west Leicestershire village of Thringstone. Councillor Nigel Smith, Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, cut the ribbon at a launch event to mark the completion of both projects which have been built in partnership between Westleigh Developments, North West Leicestershire District Council, housing association Riverside and the Thringstone Miners Social Centre Trust. The affordable housing scheme, built by Westleigh has seen 10 three-bedroom houses, five two-bedroom houses and three two-bedroom bungalows built on Homestead Road, Thringstone for Riverside. This comes after £1.03m of capital grant funding was negotiated with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), as part of the National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP). North West Leicestershire District Council also supported the affordable housing scheme with free land and financial support amounting to almost £200,000. As part of the project Westleigh also constructed a new facility to replace the ageing social centre at Homestead Road Recreation Ground, which offers a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities, including mother and toddler group, playgroup and facilities for Thringstone Miners Welfare football club. Matt Moore, Property Director at Westleigh, comments, “We are pleased to announce that work has completed on this brand new scheme of affordable housing and the new social centre in partnership with both Riverside, North West Leicestershire District Council and the Thringstone Miners Social Centre. Not only does this project provide 18 much needed affordable homes but it provides the village with a brand new centre which we hope will become the hub of the local community.” Raymond Webb, Chair of Riverside Midlands Board said: “This is a great example of what housing associations, housing developers, the Homes and Communities Agency and local authorities can achieve when we work together. By combining mixed funding with our track record in regeneration, we can create the sort of affordable homes local people want to live in and with our Home Ownership scheme we can also offer them the opportunity to buy new build homes at affordable prices.” Councillor Alison Smith, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services for North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "I am really pleased Thringstone will be getting a brand new social centre and hope the local groups and residents will make the most of the new facility.
"This project has been a long time in the making and particular thanks must go to the trustees for sticking with it and creating this great community resource at a time of limited investment. The added benefit of bringing affordable housing units to Thringstone, including some bungalows, will allow local people the chance to access new affordable homes in the village for a very long time."
John Ball, Chairman of the Thringstone Miners Social Centre, comments, “As Chairman of the Trustees, and on behalf of the other Trustees and user groups, I believe the new community building at Homestead Road, will provide a much wanted community facility for everyone to use and enjoy. The football club will be delighted to have new facilities for both playing and social activities which will compliment the ground facilities, which are amongst the best in the county. It is a proud day for the whole community." |
