New affordable homes in the Old Town

07.04.2009

Fifty-six new, affordable homes in the Old Town area of Hemel Hempstead have been built by Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association (HPCHA). To mark the completion of the project, MP for Hemel Hempstead, Mike Penning officially opened the new development on Monday 6th April 2009.

New residents in the architect-designed homes in Grover Close benefit from generous internal space standards and attractive communal areas. Many of the flats enjoy excellent views over the Old Town and beyond. The apartments house single people and families on low and intermediate rents with eight of the apartments being allocated to Key Workers, which helps local public service employers to recruit staff. 

The site was previously occupied by eight houses, but the flats are skilfully designed and positioned to ensure that the development fits well into the surrounding neighbourhood. An underground car park provides car parking for each apartment with lifts and stairs connecting to the buildings. Modern features include a video entry phone system allowing greater security for the residents. The homes are particularly ‘eco’ friendly with high insulation levels. The Butterfly roofs conceal solar thermal heating panels, which provide hot water on site. The compact plan and section of each block, effectively a cube, minimises surface area and therefore heat loss. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has awarded the Code for Sustainable Homes (Level 3) to the scheme. 

David Bogle, Chief Executive of HPCHA, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide these high quality homes for local residents. I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us in delivering this development of affordable homes. This site has been completed to the highest quality and we are pleased to be able to help so many local people who have a real housing need.” 

The development was designed by Buschow Henley Architects. It was short listed for the Housing Design Awards 2007 and is currently being considered for an award with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) based on the buildings’ architectural standards and local environmental contribution. The construction was managed by GDG Housing Ltd. 

The project has been supported financially by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA). It also received a grant from the low Carbon Buildings Programme run by the BRE. 

There are still a few apartments available for Intermediate Rent. Please call the Hightown Home Ownership Team on 01442 292343.

From Left to Right: Mary Pedlow - Vice Chair (HPCHA), Mike Penning MP, David Bogle - Chief Executive (HPCHA)

‹ Back