National Award Success for Erimus
MIDDLESBROUGH’S largest landlord is celebrating after scooping a prestigious national award for its work to regenerate previously unpopular areas of an estate.
Erimus Housing beat off stiff competition to win the Housing Regeneration Project of the Year Award in the Regeneration and Renewal Awards, held in London.
The company, which owns 10,500 homes, won the accolade for its £11m Hemlington masterplan, which is transforming the Middlesbrough estate.
The scheme includes the modernisation of properties and undertaking selective demolition in the most unpopular areas, as well as converting some unpopular flats into much-needed family homes.
Environmental improvements such as repairs to walls and fencing, painting and improvement of open spaces are also being undertaken to compliment the other investment work to provide new kitchens, bathrooms and electrical upgrades.
The company is also improving the quality of life for residents by investing in the community as part of its wider social investment strategy, including equipping young people with skills to allow them to eventually sustain a tenancy.
Consultation with key groups was carried out as part of Erimus Housing’s wider regeneration plan. The consultation revealed there was an over supply of flats, these were leading to problems with anti-social activities and residents wanted to see urgent action taken.
Furthermore, some parts of the estate had a poor estate layout and design and this had caused a lack of popularity in some areas of Hemlington.
After looking at the options, Erimus decided on a solution that would tackle these problems, focus on the positive aspects of the estate and help bring a more balanced community into Hemlington.
Chris Smith, managing director of Erimus Housing, said: “We are thrilled with this recognition of the work we have undertaken to improve the popularity and sustainability of the estate.
“This award is testament to our commitment to improving people’s quality of life and we would like to thank all our residents who have been heavily involved in the consultation process, as well as our partners, who have helped make this plan such a success.”