Two faces of Two Castles

Jun 12 2007 By The Journal

While Two Castles Housing Association's rural expertise is still second to none, the regeneration of urban areas is also at the heart of its work. In fact, Two Castles now has almost eight times as many urban as rural properties in the North-East.

TWO Castles has been a leading house provider for over 40 years, providing affordable homes in areas of both high and low demand and supporting the regeneration and sustainability of villages, towns and cities across the North-East and the North-West.

Development director John Hay said: "We're very excited about all of our new developments in the North-East - rural and urban. Affordable housing for locals and for key workers like nurses and teachers has become a big issue across the North as a whole.

"We are working with policy makers and decision makers at both regional and national levels in a bid to contribute to the sustainable communities, and to deliver more affordable homes in the communities where they are most needed."

As part of the association's ambitious development programme, it is providing new-build homes and bringing derelict buildings back to life. Lansbury Close in Birtley, for example, is a recent urban development. The brownfield site was once a former, rundown Salvation Army hut but has now been transformed to provide six two-bedroom, modern and affordable homes.

Two Castles worked with RyderHKS to achieve a very good eco-homes rating and used modern methods of construction for the benefit of tenants and residents.

Work is also continuing to provide new much-needed, high quality, affordable homes in rural Tynedale.

The association is developing seven two- and three-bedroom homes in Slaley village, Northumberland. Work began on site in December 2006 and the homes are expected to be occupied in September 2007.

Two Castles worked closely with Slaley Parish Council and the local community on this development, and the provision of more affordable housing in the district was a key objective for Tynedale Council.

The Housing Corporation awarded £470,799 to the Spirit partnership towards the total project costs. The Spirit Partnership is a collaboration of six northern housing associations: Erimus Housing, Three Rivers Housing Group, Two Castles Housing Association, Tees Valley Housing Group, Housing Hartlepool and Coast and Country Housing.

Two Castles Housing Association is also working with the Government, The Northern Way, One NorthEast and the Northwest Regional Development Agency to drive forward the affordable homes agenda.