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Residents of a new social housing scheme have celebrated moving into their new homes by leading a tour of their award-winning building in Lithos Road, West Hampstead. Camden's Executive Member for Housing, Chris Naylor cut the ribbon on the state of the art £10m housing development. He was joined by Maureen Stables, Chair of the Co-operative Development Society Limited (CDS), which built the scheme, and Lord Graham of Edmonton, the honorary president of CDS. The building won the ‘new dwellings' category of the 2007 Camden Building Quality awards. The apartments vary in type and size and all have their own individual terrace or balcony. The judges commented on the building's excellent green credentials as well as the level of resident consultation throughout the design process which led to the creation of a mix of rented and affordable homes. The development consists of 22 homes in a new build block in Lithos Road and 19 refurbished street properties in Lithos Road and neighbouring streets in West Hampstead. One resident of the new development, Adam Beck, spoke of his positive experience since moving into his new one-bedroom flat, having previously lived in the same rented accommodation for 24 years. He said: "I got a good feeling about working with CDS from the beginning. They were realistic about our options and didn't over promise. I think it's been a very successful social housing project and I definitely feel more settled now." Cllr Chris Naylor, Executive Member for Homes and Housing Strategy, said: "I'm delighted to open this new development. I'm particularly impressed by how closely the former residents have been involved - and how many have chosen to come back to their new flats. "This is a great example of the work social landlords are doing to improve housing in Camden. Not only are they bringing money and jobs into Camden but the standard of accommodation in Lithos Road is excellent. This is why we are working side by side with social landlords like CDS to deliver more - and better - housing for everyone in the borough." Maureen Stables, Chair of CDS Co-operatives, said: "We have been delighted with the constructive and positive working relationship we enjoyed with Camden Council throughout the development and letting of this project. We trust that Lithos Road and the refurbished street properties will continue to provide a high quality affordable mixed housing community for current and future generations of Camden residents". http://www.camden.gov.uk/ |
