Derelict Norwich site transformed into homes for social rent
We have partnered with Norwich City Council to build 5 eco-friendly new homes on a formerly derelict site in Mile Cross, Norwich.
Norwich City Council bought the site of the former King’s Arms public house in 2020 to build social housing, using a compulsory purchase order. The site had been left to stand derelict for years by its previous owner.
1 x 2-bedroom bungalow, 1 x 5-bedroom house and 3 x 4-bedroom houses have been built on the land. The homes have been let by Norwich City Council through its housing register, providing the types of homes most needed by applicants. Each of the families has been able to move away from homes that were no longer suitable for them, making these properties available for new tenants.
Eco-design reduces energy costs
The homes are designed to save tenants money on heating and hot water. They have extra insulation and low-carbon features, including air source heat pumps, triple glazing and solar panels. Each property also has an electric vehicle charging point. They have been thoughtfully designed to complement the established residential area.
To make access to the development possible, the city council also acquired the house next door to the site. This was a former council home sold under the government’s Right to Buy scheme. It is now back in the city’s social housing stock.
Creative solution to meet demand for affordable housing
Councillor Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for social housing (pictured above, second right), visited the site this week to welcome the 5 new households:
Turning this deserted plot into much-needed social homes is a fantastic outcome for the city.
It has been wonderful to meet some of the new residents already getting settled just in time for Christmas.
Purchasing the King’s Arms site to benefit the community is an example of how we are being creative to address the demand for affordable housing in the city.
Councillor Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for social housing
Mark, who has moved into the bungalow on the site, said:
It’s a lovely home, it couldn’t be better. We have downsized from a 3-bedroom house in Norwich and no longer need to worry about the stairs.
Sam, another new resident who has moved from within Mile Cross, said:
We are really pleased to have moved in before Christmas and have already met lots of neighbours.
This new home gives our family more space, and staying in the area has meant we haven’t had to change anything else.
Broadland Housing managed the project for the council and the homes were built by Smith of Honingham.
We are delighted to work in partnership with Norwich City Council once again, this time as their Development Agent. Norwich City have taken a site which has been disused for many years and turned it into beautiful new homes in our city. We continue to be proud of our partnership with the council. It shows just what can be done with thoughtful insight and imagination.
Andrew Savage, Executive Development Director, Broadland Housing Association (pictured above, right)
Our partnership with Norwich City Council, has been fruitful over the years, with many new homes provided for the people of Norwich. As homeless numbers continue to raise, and many families in our city struggling to find good quality, well-maintained properties, these new homes are needed now more than ever.
Michael Newey, Chief Executive, Broadland Housing Association (pictured above, left)