Stanhope PFI
Exciting Times For Stanhope
A groundbreaking Private Finance Initiative
contract to regenerate Stanhope was signed on April 16 2007 after
many years of hard work.
Ashford Borough Council agreed a 30-year,
£200 million deal with the Chrysalis consortium to redevelop
parts of the Sixties-built estate and run it for the next 30
years.
The milestone agreement will unlock millions
of pounds in Government funding and herald a new dawn for Stanhope
after extensive consultation with residents.
As well as regenerate the estate the PFI
project will create a safe and secure environment and provide a
better mix of housing.
Seven blocks of flats will be demolished to
make way for more than 400 new high-quality houses and flats for
rent, shared ownership and sale on the open market.
Two blocks have already been demolished and
Ashford Borough Council has approved plans for housing and a new
commercial centre boasting shops, a pub and a community building.
Roads, footpaths and open areas of the estate will be significantly
improved. More planning applications are expected soon.
Ashford Borough Council chief executive David
Hill said: “The signing of this contract is an historic event that
will benefit thousands and heralds a new dawn for Stanhope. Quality
new housing designed to meet the community’s needs, a more safe and
secure environment and major investment will create a new identity
for Stanhope and shake off its negative image. We have strived to
ensure the project is deliverable, affordable and reflects the
aspirations of the community. Reaching this stage is a very
significant achievement for the council. Our vision for Stanhope
has achieved cross-party support and those involved in making the
community’s dreams a reality deserve rich praise for a great
achievement to date.”
Ashford Borough Council head of housing Tracey
Kerly added: “The council has set about the task of transforming
the estate into a thriving, healthy, safe and sustainable community
where residents will enjoy a good quality of life. We have
engaged in extensive Government talks to secure funding, detailed
negotiations with our PFI partners to ensure the right decisions
are made in the interests of the community and very thorough
consultation with the people of Stanhope."
The running of the estate has been signed over
to the Chrysalis consortium, consisting of housing association
Moat, Gleeson Group and Powerminster. Although the housing
stock will remain the property of the council all day-to-day
matters such as management, repairs, maintenance and rent
collection will be taken over by Chrysalis, who have a
neighbourhood office on the estate.
This webpage was updated on 11/15/2007