LEADING housing provider Network Housing Group has celebrated the start of its latest regeneration project in RectoryPark, which will create 425 new homes and strengthen the existing community by providing better facilities for residents.
Stephen Pound MP, along with Ealing Council Leader Julian Bell, and Mayor of Ealing Mohammad Aslam joined Group chief executive Helen Evans of Network Housing Group and to celebrate the official start of the first two phases of its regeneration scheme for the estate in Northolt during a demolition ceremony on 27 February.

Sixty-six existing properties were demolished and the community centre moved to allow the first 101 homes in the 160 home contract to commence. The approved finished scheme will increase the final number of homes on the estate by 155, providing more people with much needed homes in London. AbdiRahman Mohamed, a resident from the estate has been appointed to work for the Group as a Customer Satisfaction Assistant and another three residents have been taken on to work for Hill Partnerships since the programme began.

The new development will provide energy efficient accommodation for residents to move to, consisting of one, two and three bedroom flats and houses. There will also be a community facility located within the Gardens area of RectoryPark for residents to enjoy and have a central meeting place which will help strengthen the community by bringing residents and families together.  Phase one of the scheme is due to be completed in 2014.

Group chief executive Helen Evans said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with RectoryPark residents to rebuild the Estate and develop a place and community that people will be proud to call home.

“We will establish a community chest fund to support activities on the estate and use it to promote community cohesion by ensuring all parts of the community can benefit from what is on offer.”

Extensive consultation was carried out with residents in 2011 on the regeneration design to provide outstanding new homes, landscaping and play facilities. The new homes will be secure, have improved heating systems and meet the London Design Guide and Lifetime Homes Standards.

The development will be owned and managed by Network Stadium Housing Association, part of Network Housing Group.

Ealing’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor, said: “I’m delighted work is finally underway at RectoryPark.  Our commitment to providing new affordable homes goes beyond bricks and mortar. We’ve listened carefully to residents’ aspirations for skills, training and creating a real sense of community.  The regeneration work here is going to make RectoryPark a more pleasant and safer place to live for everyone.”

Network Stadium and the Group will work alongside development partner Hill Partnerships to make their vision a reality.

Simon Trice, Regional Director for Hill Partnerships said: “The demolition of the existing blocks at RectoryPark is a milestone event for the community which will see the buildings replaced with high quality new homes, community facilities and landscaped areas.  Hill is looking forward to working with Network Housing Group and Ealing Council to transform RectoryPark and make a difference for the local community.”

Christa Bamber, a resident on the Rectory Park Tenants and Resident’s Association, who attended the demolition ceremony, said: “I’m looking forward on building towards a better community spirit, with higher quality homes and a safer environment that Network Housing Group’s regeneration will bring.”