Two Castles Housing Association has completed work on a much-needed affordable housing development for local people, after transforming a former school site in Hawkshead, South Lakeland.
Working in partnership with South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), Two Castles has converted the former village infant school building into a two bedroom home as well as delivering a further two, two bedroom and two, three bedroom properties for rent, on-site.
Part-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the development called Heelis Place will provide much-needed affordable housing for people with a connection to the village or the local area.
Rob Brittain, property services director of Two Castles Housing Association, said:
“Two Castles is committed to the provision of affordable housing in South Lakeland and we’re delighted to have worked with our partners to deliver such a wonderful development for local people.
“We’re proud to bring the former infant school back into use with its conversion into a lovely two-bedroom property full of character and hope that the development will go some way to meet the need for high quality homes to rent in the area which are currently in high demand.”
Built by Leck Construction Ltd, each of the five new homes developed on-site has been constructed with a timber-frame and built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standards. The energy efficient homes also include a number of environmental aspects such as rainwater collection butts and composting bins.
Originally owned by Cumbria County Council, the site of the former school was sold at a reduced rate to facilitate new affordable homes in the area with the Lake District National Park Authority involved in the detailed planning and legal aspects of the build.
Tony Whittaker, SLDC’s Strategic Housing & Enabling Team Leader, said: “SLDC is committed to enabling new affordable housing in rural areas across the district and was very pleased to support Two Castles with this high quality development in Hawkshead.”
Bill Barr, chairman at Hawkshead Parish Council, said: “I’m extremely pleased to see my old school brought back to life as an affordable housing development for people with a connection to the parish.”
For more information on Two Castles Housing Association, visit www.twocastles.org.uk.
