News – 16 June 2022
Members of Grand Union Housing Group’s Board and Executive team were excited to have an opportunity to visit two of their new Bedfordshire developments recently, to see for themselves the fantastic progress that has been made.
Last year was record-breaking with over 300 new homes built, the first time we’ve reached that figure in our entire history and this year we’re on course to do more, with over 360 new homes in our development programme.
Sorrel Gardens in Biggleswade is Grand Union’s biggest ever scheme, with 93 Extra Care apartments for those over 55 with an identified care need. Each apartment has its own balcony or terrace, and will be a safe, secure, dementia friendly environment, allowing customers to retain their independence, whilst having access to their individual support needs.
Executive Director of Finance & Business Services, Mona Shah, said: “This is an example of how we have worked really well as a collaborative partner with Central Bedfordshire Council and also Taylor Wimpey. We secured planning for this significant building, in a matter of months and then continued at a pace to procure our delivery partner Hills.
“It’s fantastic to see the building coming towards completion and we’re really excited to see residents move into what will be a safe and secure home for those over 55. With 68 of the homes to be let at social rent, this shows how our strategy is working to deliver additional affordable homes.”
At the Ivel Road development in Shefford, 42 affordable homes are under construction in partnership with Snowdon Homes, at a build cost of over £5million. This site comprises a mix of 25 houses for shared ownership sale and 17 apartments and houses for social rent, all using Grand Union’s own standard house type design.
Richard Broomfield, Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Investment & Development Group added: “Our Grand Union standard house types are key to help us drive efficiency in the delivery of new homes, which is really important given the current inflationary challenges all sectors are facing. It was fantastic to see these standard homes under construction and get to see the high quality new homes that Grand Union build for our future customers.”