Wates Living Space, Catalyst Housing, Luton Borough Council and Luton Learning and Community Partnership have marked the completion of the first phase of the landmark New Homes for Luton (NH4L) project, with a celebratory reception.

Representatives from the joint venture partnership joined together and visited the three sites which form the initial stage of the NH4L scheme; Falconers Road, Wigmore Lane and Hart Hill.

Delivering a third of the 450 new affordable homes to be built across the Luton borough as part of the NH4L project, Falconers Road, Wigmore Lane and Hart Hill contribute significantly to reducing the acute shortage in housing for local people.

With a mix of homes for rent, shared ownership and sale, Phase 1 of NH4L has rejuvenated previously run-down, derelict areas, creating attractive and environmentally-friendly neighbourhoods.

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The initial NH4L phase has also regenerated the community, with Wates Living Space providing more employment for local people through apprenticeships offered to Luton residents and work experience placements for sixth-form college students.

As part of Phase 1, the affordable housing construction services provider also ran a Building Futures programme; a Wates scheme aimed at helping the long-term unemployed overcome barriers back into work and secure the minimum qualification to enter a career in the construction industry.

Speaking at the reception, Andrew Baker, Business Director (Northern Home Counties), Wates Living Space, said: "Local residents in Luton can now see for themselves the results of the partnership’s plan to develop new homes in attractive, environmentally-friendly neighbourhoods. The key aim of the project has always been to address the shortage of affordable homes that Luton desperately needs, and this milestone means we’re now a step closer to achieving that.

"The partnership aims to do more than just provide good quality homes for local residents. Our contribution to the regeneration of communities we work in makes a real difference to how local residents feel about where they live and work. Throughout the lifetime of this project, we will be providing a number of apprenticeships to Luton residents and work experience placements for sixth-form college students; we will also be working with a large number of local suppliers and sub-contractors."

(CD)