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Award winning Gun Wharf gains more national acclaim in a focus on BBC news online on how housing estates have been an integral part of British life for decades
Click here to be taken to the full report and video link
Fronting the Tamar River in Devonport Plymouth, this 1950s estate of 150 flats had gained a reputation for crime and anti-social behaviour. Strong resident input and a complete new re-design and re-build have developed this area into a rejuvenated community, and as the BBC video highlights even somewhat of a tourist attraction.
“We are very proud of how the resident involvement in this development has turned Gun Wharf into a great success story, gaining strong national recognition,” said Devon & Cornwall Housing Chief Executive, Teresa Butchers. “The BBC has provided a true insight into the changes which have taken place on this estate. They have captured the real sense of community feel which is so important to the success of this development.”
This scheme is the culmination of a partnership between Plymouth City Council, Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership, the Housing Corporation, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Devon and Cornwall Housing, Midas Homes and a number of ex residents.
The 150 flats were replaced with 35 homes for outright sale, 46 homes for affordable rent and 18 shared ownership homes.
“This scheme is living proof that if housing associations work closely with the residents they will together provide better designed places, where people really want to live,” said Teresa.
A great deal of hard work, consultation and negotiating took place with the residents who wanted to return to the site, heavily involved in all aspects of the scheme.
“24 of the residents who moved out wanted to return after homes were completed. They formed a residents association together with existing owner-occupiers and have been successful in taking over the day-to-day management of the whole area,” said Teresa. “The North Corner Management Company consists of new residents and existing owner-occupiers. This is what’s at the heart of making Gun Wharf a vastly improved neighbourhood.”
