Local, local, local

A new development of affordable homes has rewritten a popular property catchphrase.

Windmill Court, in Bell Green, is a development of 24 two-bedroom apartments – some designed for people with disabilities – created for Jephson Homes Housing Association.

And the emphasis on the scheme – by Cassidy Group and built by Deeley Construction – is “local, local, local”.

Both companies are Coventry based, the development will be home to local people – and local City councillor Linda Bigham completed the topping out ceremony in her own ward.

And, in addition, local apprentices had to be used on the 12 month building programme.

John Hannon, of Cassidy Group, said: “This really has been a local effort. The whole scheme has been designed to assist the local New Deal for the Communities programme in that area of the city and will be home to local people.

“We had help from the City Council’s Housing Team and several young apprentices working on the project throughout the 12 month construction process.

“We have worked with Deeley Construction on several projects now and both companies have a long history of working within the city.”

Deeley Construction, which has just celebrated its 75th year in the city, has helped transform the site which was home to the Green Man pub.

Managing director Martin Gallagher said: “It is unusual for us to be contractually bound to use local apprentices but it has worked out really well.

“We have a tradition of developing our staff – I started here as a teenager – and are big believers in helping to build a local skill base. This is just what has happened on this job.”

Jephson Homes Housing Association owns and manages more than 16,000 homes across the country including more than 700 in Coventry. The organisation’s head office is in Leamington and is currently developing a further 70 new affordable homes on Windmill Road in Bell Green.

Sue Rowley, Regional Director for Jephson Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be nearing completion on this scheme which will provide high-quality affordable accommodation for local people in housing need.

“Not only does this improve the provision of housing in the area but it will also have a positive impact on the community, replacing a derelict pub site with a development of homes which residents can take real pride in. We look forward to welcoming the first new residents in the spring.”

Coventry City Council will allocate the properties to those registered for affordable housing in the city.

Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for City Development, said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working. Local organisations have come together, worked out a plan, and got on with it. The young apprentices will have gained some valuable experience from working on this project."

Picture caption l/r,
Joanne Welch (Jephson), Richard Pepper (Deeley Construction), Martin Gallagher (Deeley Construction), John Hannon (Cassidy Group), Sue Rowley (Jephson), Linda Bigham (Coventry City Council)