Hightown officially opens 84 affordable homes at Oaklands

08.11.2010

Residents are settling into their affordable new rented apartments at Oaklands following their recent completion for Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association (Hightown).

The new development comprises a mix of 84 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments to rent and buy. 30 homes are being rented to residents nominated by St Albans City and District Council’s Choice Based Lettings scheme. 54 apartments are available for Shared Ownership to help people who want to buy a home of their own but cannot afford to do so. Through Shared Ownership it is possible to buy a share in a property, usually 50%, and pay rent on the remaining share. Buyers have the option to buy additional shares, as they can afford to.

The site on Hatfield Road, previously occupied by Oaklands College, has been developed by Hightown at a cost of £16.7 million, with £3.3 million support from the Homes and Communities Agency. 

In a popular area within easy walking distance of the city centre and the mainline station, the development provides much needed affordable housing – so significantly contributing to St Albans City and District Council’s Housing Strategy.

To mark the completion of the project, the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Maxine Crawley, visited the site on Tuesday 2 November. After the event she said “I've just come home from a very enjoyable afternoon, hosted by Hightown, at their new affordable homes in the middle of St Albans.  It was an honour to open these badly needed and very beautifully designed new units, built by Nicholas King.  I was shown round a newly occupied apartment which was bright, airy and spacious.  I know that a lot of work has gone into this project and I can say that, having seen the result it was all worthwhile.”

David Bogle, Chief Executive of Hightown, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide these additional high quality homes for local residents, in partnership with St Albans City and District Council.”

The development was built by Nicholas King Homes.

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