Western Challenge Putting Down Roots in Southampton

Monday 8th October 2007

Putting Down Roots at Tanners Close

Western Challenge and Southampton City Council welcomed new residents and their children to Tanners Close with a \"Putting Down Roots\" celebration.

A planting ceremony took place today involving VIPs from the association and the council and included entertainment for the children with a colouring competition, daffodil planting and balloon modelling.
Tanners Close, named after Tanners Brook nearby, is a £2.5 million new build development on Aldermoor Road. The site previously consisted of two farm cottages and the land was owned by Southampton City Council.

Western Challenge obtained funding from the Housing Corporation via the association\'s development consortium Source Development Partnership.

Together they have delivered 17 new affordable homes - 14 family houses and three flats. The properties have been designed and built by Mansell Construction to achieve an EcoHomes rating of \"Very Good\". The site was particularly challenging as it is on a slope - and as a result some of the houses are split level.

There are three homes for shared ownership and 14 homes for general needs affordable rent. Construction started in July 2006 and the residents moved in July 2007.

Lynda Price, Chair of Western Challenge said,

\"Our commitment to Southampton and to building affordable family accommodation is evident with Tanners Close. I am delighted to see the development in person and welcome our new residents. We hope a close knit community will develop within the Close.\"

Councillor Phil Williams, Southampton City Council\'s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
\"This is a fantastic example of how we are working with local housing associations to build new communities and affordable family housing in the city. As well as meeting housing needs, it is encouraging that this development has been built with the environment in mind, which is a key consideration for everyone at a time when global warming and recycling are top of the global agenda.\"

New residents Mr and Mrs Macleod with their two children, Ellie and Michael, are delighted with their three bedroom home in Tanners Close. Mrs Sam Macleod explains: \"We were in a two bedroom council flat before and the children had to share a bedroom. There is so much space here, the Close is safe for the children to play and the garden is a real bonus.\"

Posted by 0 for Western Challenge Housing Association Ltd.