January joy for families in Hempsted

January sees a fresh start for four families moving into brand-new homes in Hempsted.

Tears and smiles of joy were seen as the families were handed the keys for their long-awaited homes. “This is why I love my job,” said GCH’s Lettings Agent Lisa Brooks. “It is so rewarding, knowing we are helping to change people’s lives by providing a place that they can call home.”

The new homes, built by Bellway, will be owned and managed by GCH for affordable rent or shared ownership. These are among 20 new properties scheduled for delivery in Hempsted between August 2022 and May 2023.

The demand for affordable housing in Gloucester is high with over 5,000 on the waiting list. “We have managed to put roofs over the heads of those who may have faced homelessness, overcrowding, or who need specially adapted homes for medical reasons,” says Stacey Jellyman, Tenancy Sustainment Team Leader. “Not only that, but we work closely with our customers to set them up to succeed, so they are ready to take on the responsibility of managing a household. We look at the whole picture to try and find the right home for each customer.”

Development Manager Daniel Lutman said “There is a large waiting list in Gloucester for quality, affordable homes so every GCH property counts. It feels amazing to look back on the scheme knowing that, when we work in partnership with local authorities and builders, we are creating homes that will benefit our communities for generations to come.”

GCH is part of Gloucestershire’s Homeseeker Plus Partnership – a group of councils and housing providers who work together to provide homes across the scheme. All available GCH homes are advertised on www.homeseekerplus.co.uk