"We are one of the largest developers of affordable housing in rural areas, and that is something we are hugely proud of."
Martin Davies, Development Director at the Regenda
Young families have found getting on the property ladder difficult in cities across the UK, but with more than 1 in 5 of England’s population living in rural areas, the Regenda Group is developing affordable homes to ensure rural communities can stick together.
Last month, Regenda completed work on the site of the old Methodist church in Hesketh Bank. The housing association, with agreement from the previous minister, demolished the old place of worship to make way for six new apartments for affordable rent and eight houses for shared ownership.
The old church was replaced with a brand new church hall and community centre which was handed back over to the minister, giving the local community a modern place of worship at the centre of their new affordable homes.
Over the past year, the Regenda Group has also worked with West Lancashire Council to deliver four two-bedroom houses and eight three-bedroom houses for social rent on Holt Drive in Burscough. The properties proved a huge success, with all 12 allocated before the development was finished.
The Regenda Group has a number of developments planned for the rest of the year, including 19 properties in Hambleton.
Martin Davies, Development Director at the Regenda Group, said: “We are one of the largest developers of affordable housing in rural areas, and that is something we are hugely proud of.
“By providing affordable homes for both social rent and shared ownership, we can help families stay together and continue to enjoy living in the areas they have grown up in.
“Importantly, we have fantastic relationships with the local borough councils, such as West Lancashire, and it is through working in partnership that we can continue to deliver these much needed homes.”
By 2039, the number of working age households in England is projected to fall by 1% in rural areas, while increasing in urban areas by nearly 11%.
In Upholland and Pilling, the Regenda Group has developed a number of two and three bedroom properties available for shared ownership through Redwing Living. The organisation is hoping that schemes such as this will help to keep working aged families living in rural communities.”
Martin Davies continues: “Shared ownership is a great way for many young people to get their foot on the property ladder. Upholland, for example, is only a short distance from the M58, making it perfect for young professionals who are commuting.
“The main reason young working people are moving out of these communities is to find affordable homes, so hopefully we can help to plug that gap.”
The Regenda Group has a number of plans for further developments across Lancashire, and is keen to continue developing much needed homes in rural communities
