Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) and partners have celebrated the official opening of the new Catherine’s Walk affordable housing development in South Athersley, Barnsley, with the new residents excited to get their keys and move in over the coming weeks.

Work began on the £5.95 million, 54 home-scheme in August 2018 and the build has taken 18 months. The new two- and three-bedroom homes comprise 40 houses, 8 apartments and 6 bungalows, situated in the middle of existing housing, close to local amenities. They will provide much needed affordable homes for families and older people in an area where there is an acute need for more affordable housing.
 

This is the largest new build scheme that LYHA has undertaken for many years and the housing association has engaged with the local community throughout, including holding a competition for local primary school children to create the names for the new streets. The winners were Ruby Kenny and Olivia Robinson, both from Laithes Primary School, who came up with the names ‘Tawny Street’ and ‘Blossom View’.
 

Joanna Chambers, Director of Assets and Growth at LYHA, comments: “I am delighted to see these new homes ready to move into; it has been fascinating watching them take shape. I can’t wait to see the new residents get their keys and hope they will be very happy in their new homes.
 

“We have taken great care with the design and materials and the completed scheme looks fantastic. Not only are the homes desirable, but with high standards of energy efficiency, they should also be cheap to run, a key consideration for us in the building of new homes. We have been lucky to work with brilliant and supportive local partners throughout, including our building contractor, Engie; Acanthus WSM architects; managing agents, DBA; and Homes England who part funded the development through a £2 million grant.
 

Nathan Brough, Regional Director at energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE, said: “We’re thrilled to have played such a vital role in this partnership, which has helped to fulfil the need for new affordable housing in the area. The homes are designed to suit families of all ages and incorporate energy efficiency measures to help save them money in the long-term. We hope the residents have many happy memories in their new homes.”

Over the last 5 years LYHA has built over 100 new affordable homes in Barnsley and is one of Barnsley Council’s preferred development partners. Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council, said: “We’re pleased to see the completion of this scheme which provides much needed affordable homes in Athersley. It’s a great example of the Council and Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association working in partnership to make sure we meet our housing ambitions. We want to make sure that high quality, affordable homes are available for current and future residents.”

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