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01 February 2007
Topping Out Ceremony At Hepworth Court
Builders at a new affordable homes scheme in Chells Lane, Stevenage were given a helping hand by the Mayor of Stevenage to mark the ‘topping out’ stage at the development.
The Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Simon Speller, was joined by Mike Bailey chair of Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association (HPCHA), David Bogle Chief Executive of HPCHA, Geoff Berry the Managing Director of GDG Management, who have been managing the new construction, and Ruth Edwards and Peter Stanley from Stevenage Borough Council.
The event took place on Friday February 2 at the new development known as Hepworth Court. The development consists of 24 affordable two-bedroom apartments and a local convenience store. Twelve of the apartments are for general rent with the remaining 12 for sale under the Shared Ownership scheme.
The two bedroom apartments are available under the Shared Ownership scheme from £70,000 (50% of the Market Value).
The Shared Ownership scheme, also known as HomeBuy, is an alternative to renting a home or buying a property outright. It helps people who want to buy a home of their own but cannot afford to do so.
Through Shared Ownership it is possible to buy a share in a property (50%) and pay rent on the remaining share. The total costs of rent and mortgage payments will be lower than the cost of buying the same home outright. In the future you have the option to buy additional shares.
The event marked the scheme reaching the ‘topping out’ stage – the point where the external construction of the development has been completed with the internal fixtures and fittings to be completed. Over the next few weeks the scaffolding around the two apartment blocks will be taken down with the homes being completed by mid April 2007.
At the ‘topping out’ event the Mayor was shown around the new development and also found time to help builders install kitchen units.
Mayor Simon Speller said: “Hepworth Court is a fantastic development making use of a very tricky site. The whole scheme is a great model of the kind of housing we need in Stevenage for local people. I am confident that this development will benefit the local community and I am looking forward to its completion.”
All the apartments have electric heating, fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower attachment, large balcony and communal parking.
David Bogle, Chief Executive of HPCHA, added: “This is a great looking development that has regenerated an old shopping precinct and flats into 24 affordable apartments.
“We are delighted to be working with Stevenage Borough Council to deliver affordable housing to the town. Hepworth Court will hopefully give people who could not afford to purchase a home outright an opportunity to get onto the property ladder.”
If you are interested in Hepworth Court or would like more information on the Shared Ownership scheme please contact Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association on 01442 292300.
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