Ref: PRSH58
Date: June 23, 2015

Regeneration celebrated in Stafford

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A local housing association has hosted a special community event to celebrate the regeneration of a housing development in Stafford.

In total, 63 apartments in Exeter Street have been updated and improved over the past 12 months, providing a boost for customers of Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) and the wider community.

The event in Exeter Street also gave the opportunity for SARH and contractors Novus to say thank you to the community for their patience while the work was carried out.

Chris Poulton, Director of Asset Management and Development at SARH, explained: "The redevelopment and refurbishment of the seven blocks of apartments, which each contain nine homes, has really improved an area that's on a key route into the town.

"Most importantly, the work has transformed the homes of dozens of SARH customers whilst providing high quality accommodation to meet local needs."

As part of the work, seven bedsits have been converted into one bedroom apartments. All of the properties have also benefitted from new doors and windows and improved insulation.

Outside, ground floor apartments now have their own garden area and new brickwork and cladding has been added to gable ends. Alongside new roofing with a slanted design, this has improved the appearance of the apartments whilst making them more energy efficient.

Communal areas have also been given a fresh look with an improved entry system, new carpets, ceilings and balustrades.

A number of car parking spaces have also been created to reduce congestion on surrounding streets.

"Now that the work has finished, we've had a fantastic response from both customers and the wider community," Chris said. "In fact there's a real buzz around the area and this event provided the chance to celebrate all that's been achieved."

During the event, Novus gave out free goodie bags to customers while carrying out their own customer satisfaction surveys. Younger residents were also invited to take part in a wide range of fun activities on the day, including face painting, seed planting and wand making as well enjoying a magic show.

Caption:

Pictured at the Exeter Street celebrations are (from left to right): Dilys Wilson, Jane Woodall, Jez Evans, Chris Poulton (Director of Asset Management and Development, Stafford and Rural Homes), Tony Wilson, Debbie Emmitt (Director of Neighbourhood Services, Stafford and Rural Homes), Martin Chambers and three-year-old Calvin Chambers.

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk