Official opening for 75 new affordable homes in Heysham

A development of 75 new affordable homes near Lancaster, developed by Stanley for Jigsaw Homes Group, has had its official opening.

Residents have now moved into Trumacar Gardens on Middleton Road in Heysham. The development includes eight one-bedroom apartments, 67 two, three and four-bedroom homes including 12 bungalows, all for affordable rent.

We worked in partnership with Jigsaw, Lancaster City Council and Homes England to deliver the homes on land which had been vacant for a number of years.

It was officially opened by Jigsaw Homes Group’s chief executive Hilary Roberts, alongside Lancaster City Councillors Cllr Colin Hartley, Cllr Catherine Potter and members of Heysham Neighbourhood Council vice chair Angela Sykes and executive member Sue Morgan.

Neil Hughes, director at Stanley Land and Homes, commented: “We acquired this site and achieved planning approval at the beginning of the Covid pandemic at what were very difficult times for many people.

“To be on site now and see residents happily living in these new affordable homes is a really proud moment for the Stanley team. We’re incredibly thankful to Jigsaw and Lancaster City Council for their support for this scheme, as well as our contractor Casey and our wider team of project consultants.”

Councillor Catherine Potter, who represents the residents of Heysham South, said: “This is an impressive housing development. It’s a beautiful environment and a lovely place for children to grow up and families to live.

“We have insufficient housing stock given our ever-increasing population for both private ownership and the rental market. We desperately need more new housing like this – much more. The Council would very much like to work with Jigsaw to identify further such sites within the district.”

Hilary Roberts said: “We have a great track record of providing a mix of quality, affordable homes that meet the local demand as well as creating real communities. We are really pleased to have worked in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Homes England and Stanley Land and Homes to do just that.”

Resident Brogan Leigh-McDowall, moved in in May with her two children after her previous landlord put her rented house up for sale.

She said: “Without this house I was going to be homeless, so I feel so lucky to have been offered it. I was so shocked by how big it is, the quality and having so much space. The garden is great for the children and they are already settled and making friends. This feels like my forever home.”

The homes benefit from high-quality private gardens and landscaped open space, car parking and electric vehicle charging points. Refuse/recycling storage is also included, as well as a children’s play area.

The development was built by contractors Casey, designed by Eden Building Design and the Employer’s Agent was Wilkinson Cowan Partnership.