New Shadow Housing Minister Emma Reynolds viewed a flagship NHBC insured development in her constituency that will eventually provide more than 350 new homes for the area.
Ms Reynolds MP, who was elected to represent Wolverhampton North East in 2010, attended the Persimmon Homes West Midlands Akron Gate development being built on the former Goodyear factory site to meet with developers, NHBC representatives and homeowners.
The event was organised by NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, and Persimmon to show the Labour MP a prime example of a landmark brownfield re-development which will deliver 369 new residential properties including affordable housing.
Lewis Sidnick NHBC’s Head of Corporate and External Affairs said: “We are delighted to have been able to show Ms Reynolds this major Persimmon development which will deliver a large number of new homes for her constituents. As the UK's leading insurance and warranty provider of new homes, NHBC works closely with housebuilders to support the delivery of high quality homes. We also work with Parliamentarians to develop and promote good housing policy.”
The development, just off Stafford Road near the city centre, has also included the construction of a brand new public house and Aldi food store and consists of a mix of 2 bedroom houses, 2 bedroom apartments, 3 and 4 bedroom family homes.
Director in charge at Persimmon Homes West Midlands, Tim Brickley, said: “Persimmon is currently working on two Black Country locations, the former Goodyear Wolverhampton site now being transformed into Akron Gate, and at Ettingshall Place in Bilston. Both developments are major regeneration projects, bringing much-needed homes and employment to areas of the city that would otherwise have been left derelict.
“We work closely with the NHBC, local authorities and communities to ensure the homes we deliver are designed and constructed to suit the needs of local people. In Wolverhampton that means we are creating new sustainable neighbourhoods of houses and apartments, along with other mixed use development and significant improvements to roads and other infrastructure.”
Emma Reynolds MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister, said: "I would like to thank NHBC and Persimmon for giving me the opportunity to view this development of high quality homes at Akron Gate. It is particularly good to view these new energy efficient homes and see first-hand how they can provide welcome relief for families as they struggle with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“There is a shortage of affordable homes across the country, with young people and families struggling to get on the property ladder. I am delighted to visit the former Goodyear site with NHBC to see some of these affordable homes being built in my own constituency by Persimmon. It is great news that in Wolverhampton new affordable homes are being built so that young people and families can get on the property ladder.
“If Labour wins the next general election, we will aim to build 200,000 homes a year by 2020 to tackle the house building crisis in this country. Housebuilding plays a vital role in boosting the local economy by providing jobs and boosting skills as well as increasing places for people to live. This is why visits such as these are so important."