Published on 24th June 2011

Transformation of Hester's Way a huge success.

The residents of Hester's Way are thrilled with the huge transformation of their homes and say it has already strengthened their community spirit.

The Scott and Edward Wilson House Regeneration Project was launched last year and since then the regeneration work has been progressing well. The work on Scott House has now been completed, ready to be unveiled at a resident event on 5 July.

The external improvements to Edward Wilson House have started along with landscaping around the properties. The complete transformation of the Hester's Way flats is due to be finished by the end of August 2011.

Launched in 2010, the project is seeing a large-scale transformation of the area including:

  • new community garden including clothes lines, seating areas, allotment areas and planting beds
  • new trees
  • new cycle stores and bin stores
  • improvements to the perimeter security
  • repairs to the concrete balconies
  • reinstatement of vehicle access onto Oldbury Road and Hester's Way Road

Paul Stephenson, deputy chief executive at CBH said: "The regeneration of the area has been progressing really well and we are delighted with the results. Residents were heavily involved with the production of the designs to improve their community and we hope that they are pleased with the transformation so far. We are looking forward to seeing the works completed which will have a dramatic impact for the area by improving the look and feel of the communal spaces, improving security for residents, and making their community a more pleasant place to live now and in the future."

The regeneration work is being carried out by Mansell Construction and Halsall Construction.

In addition to the physical improvements, as part of CBHs' Scott and Edward Wilson House Regeneration Project, a Community Hub located at Edward Wilson House has opened its doors and now welcomes residents to drop-in every Wednesday from 11am to 3pm , and every Monday and Friday from 2pm and 4pm .

Visitors to the Hub can meet with CBH officers and partners and along with the opportunity to have their say, CBH has a dedicated Employment Initiatives Co-ordinator on hand to meet with residents and guide them into employment and training. A series of adult education classes, run in conjunction with Gloucestershire Adult Education, are also being held at the Hub.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Cheltenham Borough Homes:

  • CBH is one of the top rated ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) in the country. ALMOs are not for profit companies that run social housing services for their local council.
  • Currently CBH manage and maintain around 5,000 tenant and leasehold properties with an overall satisfaction level of 85%, placing them in the top ten ALMOs nationally 
  • The organisation's approach to community development and participation; governance and equality and diversity has been recognised as good practice nationally
  • CBH continue to develop excellent services by working closely with customers.  It will include building new homes and continuing to regenerate communities whilst tackling issues of worklessness and addressing social enterprise

 

For further information visit: www.cheltborohomes.org

 

Press contact: Catherine Best e: [email protected] t: 01242 775317