A £3.7m development of a former electrical goods factory in Wellingborough by housing association Metropolitan has provided 48 new affordable homes for local families.
The new homes on Doddington Road comprise 30 flats and houses for affordable rent, and 18 houses for shared ownership.
The development is located on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance of the centre of the historical market town of Wellingborough, and is close to a range of local amenities and transport links.
New resident Justyna Doroszko, 27, who rents a two-bedroom maisonette on Doddington Road with her partner Marcin and their baby son Antoni, said: “I like our new two-bedroom home very much. In my old flat, we had just one bedroom, so it wasn’t big enough for our baby. Now we have more space and access to a garden – and my partner and I are still close to work. We are very happy here.”
Sandra Frederick, 36, bought a 30% share in her three-bedroom house on Doddington Road through shared ownership. A single, working mum, Sandra, who lives with her teenage children Anna and Chiro, used to rent privately. She said: “Without shared ownership I wouldn’t have been able to buy in the area, the whole idea is brilliant. The kids are happy and the house is great.”
Richard Vining, Executive Director of Development at Metropolitan, said: “The new development at Doddington Road will help to meet local demand for quality, affordable homes and represents a socially valuable use of a site which had been vacant for several years.
“Against a backdrop of rising house prices, we are particularly pleased to be providing 18 two- and three-bedroom houses for shared ownership which offer local families on average or below-average incomes an affordable route to home ownership.”
Councillor Paul Bell, leader of the Borough Council of Wellingborough, said: “I’m delighted that another development of high-quality affordable homes has been completed in the borough. It provides much-needed housing to meet the demand we have in Wellingborough and, as the development is close to the town centre, it will give local shops and facilities a boost as well. I wish all the residents well in their new homes.”