Massive new housing project helps secure jobs at guiseley firms (From Ilkley Gazette)

Massive new housing project helps secure jobs at guiseley firms

3:40pm Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Local news

Two Guiseley-based housing companies are part of a consortium that has won a major contract to bring an inner city area back to life.

The Chevin Housing Association and the Hare-wood Housing Society belong to the SP+ consortium, which has been chosen for Salford’s biggest-ever housing-led regeneration programme.

The process to ‘Create a New Pendleton’ began in 2003 when the council recognised the housing available in the area needed investment.

The consortium, led by Together Housing Group member Chevin Housing, will revive a 200-hectare area of the city by creating 1,600 new homes and refurbishing a further 1,200 existing properties.

They were selected after a four-year competitive tender process. The scheme will also provide new sports pitches, green space, walkways and cycle paths.

The SP+ consortium is expected to submit a full planning application in the summer, with work due to begin later in the year.

The project will also create 500 new jobs, 2,000 work experience placements and training opportunities for a further 3,200 people. It will also create opportunities for local suppliers to benefit from contracts.

Paul Hayes, from the Chevin Housing Association, who is director of new business at SP+, said: “This is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform Pendleton and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “This will help secure jobs in Guiseley and help local contractors, and it’s a huge boost for Harewood Housing and Chevin Housing.”