We have celebrated the topping out of the 100th home as part of the Newark and Sherwood District Council development programme to deliver an additional 335 new homes across the district over a five-year period.
The home is part of a scheme near St Mary’s Gardens in Hawtonville, Newark comprising seven affordable two-bedroom properties. It has been built on new street Addison Avenue, which was named to commemorate the centenary of the Housing, Town Planning Act 1919 receiving royal assent. It is generally known as the ‘Addison Act’ after the Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Addison and brought about the birth of council housing as we understand it today.
Rebecca Rance, Chief Executive at Newark and Sherwood Homes, said: “It is great to be topping out the 100th new home during such a significant year for council housing. Investing in new social homes should be top of the agenda so we can confront the national housing crisis and address specific housing needs, such as homes for independent living and families.”
The new homes on Addison Avenue are part of the second phase of the development programme, which is scheduled to complete in April 2020. Phase one was completed in March 2019 and delivered 70 new homes across 26 sites.
The homes are being built by local construction company, Woodhead Group, working in partnership with Newark and Sherwood Homes and Newark and Sherwood District Council. The programme of work was procured through EEM, a not-for-profit procurement consortium which aims to deliver best value for the public sector.
Rob Main, Business Manager – Housing Strategy & Development, said: “We are pleased with the progress of our ambitious five-year council housing development programme, delivering hundreds of new, affordable homes to help meet the council’s housing targets and enable local people to access high quality housing.”
Jonathan Rees, Project Manager at Woodhead Group, commented: “Topping out is a traditional milestone on any construction project, but this one is extra special as it not only marks the 100th home we’ve delivered in partnership with Newark and Sherwood Homes, but it’s also taking place during the 100th year of council housing on the fittingly named Addison Avenue. We’re very excited to continue this collaborative partnership, delivering life-changing homes into year three and beyond.”
275 school children have been engaged with as part of the programme, where they received advice on construction site safety. Three work experience placements have also been created following a series of successful local school visits.