WORK has started to build 25 new affordable homes on the site of a disused Redditch church.
The first stage of the work included the demolition of St Gregory’s Church in Winyates.
The church closed its doors in 2005 and had fallen into a state of disrepair, with the site having become a magnet for anti-social behaviour in recent years.
The start of work on site was welcomed by members of the local community in Winyates including Karen Martin, a director of Inspire Community Training CIC, Shelly Millward, who runs a small business, MAGIcakes, and Liz Williams, a volunteer with Redditch East Aspiring Community Hub (REACH).
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Matt Dormer, said: “Of course we welcome the news of the start on site of these affordable homes in Redditch, it’s one of this council’s priorities after all.
“Providing more affordable homes offers opportunities to our residents, who are struggling to get on to the property ladder.
“The fact these homes will be super energy efficient, another one of our priorities, is an added bonus too.”
GSA’s new housing scheme in Winyates will include a total of 12 homes reserved for social rent while 13 properties will be available under a shared ownership scheme.
Once complete, the homes will be transferred to Winyates Cooperative Homes to manage.
A housing co-operative is run for and by its tenant members who are drawn from the local community.
Les Harborne, chair of Winyates Cooperative Homes, said: “It is great news for Winyates that construction has begun on 25 new affordable homes.
“This will hopefully help bring an end to the anti-social behaviour which has occurred sporadically on the site where St Gregory’s Church once stood.
“Once complete, these homes will help address the chronic housing shortage in Redditch.”
