Latest News

SHARP programme: developer partner announced 

Published: 11/06/2015

A major milestone has been reached in Flintshire’s ambitious Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP), which will see new council homes and affordable housing being built in the county. Affordable housing contractor, Wates Living Space, has been appointed as the development partner for the project, which is the end result of a major procurement process. Wates Living Space is one of the UK’s leading construction and development services businesses, working in partnership with local authorities to deliver much-needed new housing and community regeneration programmes.  The company has previously worked with the Council on its Welsh Housing Quality Standard improvement programme. This means that the proposals to build 500 new homes - of which approximately 200 will be council homes - can now be finalised. The programme will start with the redevelopment of three sites – two urban and one rural. These are the cleared sites of the maisonettes in Flint, with a mix of approximately 95 houses and apartments, the cleared site of the former Custom House School in Connah’s Quay and a rural site in Leeswood. Proposals are based on a Flintshire Housing Standard, which has been developed in consultation with tenants. The standard will inform the design and specification of the proposed new housing, including the consistency and quality of the internal and external appearance, in addition to standards of energy efficiency and an importance placed on adequate parking. Councillor Helen Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing said: It is very exciting to see the appointment of Wates Living Space as the development partner who will work with the Council to provide new and much-needed affordable housing across the County. Further consultation on the design of the new homes is planned, with planning applications estimated to be submitted in late 2015.” Councillor Aaron Shotton, Leader of the Council, said: It is wonderful news that we are now taking another major step forward in the most exciting housing and regeneration programme that this County has seen in many years. The SHARP programme will deliver upon this Councils priorities, not only to provide new Council homes and affordable housing for the people of Flintshire, but also providing local work and training opportunities.” Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This is very much a red letter day for Flintshire. Within a context of continuing pressure on Council services, the SHARP programme provides real optimism and opportunities for all communities in Flintshire.” Lee Sale, Regional Business Director at Wates Living Space, commented: “Wates Living Space has a long-standing relationship with Flintshire County Council and we are extremely proud to have been entrusted with its new Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme. “In addition to high quality homes that improve the quality of life for Flintshire tenants, we bring to this programme a deep commitment to creating lasting local benefit, including opportunities for local training and employment.” Notes to Editors About Wates Living Space Wates Living Space, part of the Wates Group, is one of the UKs leading affordable housing and maintenance providers.  Operating across the UK it is focused on working with local authority and housing association partners in their local communities to build more homes and improve existing housing through planned and responsive maintenance.  Wates Group, established over 118 years ago, employs over 2,000 people and posted a turnover of over £1bn in 2014. The first privately-owned company ever to be awarded Business in the Communitys Community Mark and in 2013 was awarded the inaugural National Business Award for Corporate Citizenship in recognition of its leadership and excellence in community investment.