Hertfordshire housing association hits 5,000 homes

Broxbourne-based social business, B3Living, opened its 5,000^th home last Thursday (23 September) on the new Oaklands development, beside the New River in Hoddesdon.

Sir Charles Walker MP was joined by representatives from the housing association and Broxbourne Borough Council to cut the ribbon and declare the homes officially open.

Sir Charles said: “It was excellent to officially open these homes and celebrate this milestone for B3Living. Not only is it encouraging to see new life brought to what was an underused space, homes like these are also providing a much-needed opportunity for local people to get on the ladder.”

The Oaklands development has transformed a former industrial site into 60 new homes, including 24 for people on the Council’s waiting list and a further 32 for sale through the shared ownership scheme.

B3Living’s 5,000^th home is among the first phase of the development, along with 16 shared ownership flats and houses, which were all reserved during their first weekend.

Jon Hayden, B3Living’s Executive Director for Development, said: “Hoddesdon is our hometown, and we want to help local people to stay and build their lives here. The private market has become out of reach for so many, so we’ve stepped up our development activities to provide that affordable option.

“Reaching this 5,000-home milestone is a proud moment and represents a lot of hard work. I am very grateful for the support of Broxbourne Borough Council, our funders Homes England, and our construction partner, Jarvis Contracting Ltd.”

B3Living already manages around 1,000 homes in Hoddesdon and is the largest affordable housing provider in the Borough of Broxbourne. Originally established in 2006 through a tenant-supported stock transfer from Broxbourne Borough Council, its aim is to make a positive, sustainable difference to the housing crisis in the area.

The Oaklands site is one of four developments in Hoddesdon that will collectively bring 145 new homes to the town. It is the second site B3Living has developed in Hoddesdon with Jarvis Contracting, who also built the new homes at Brewery Road off the High Street.

Mark Doyle, Jarvis Contracting’s CEO commented: “As a construction business with a strong reputation within the affordable housing and residential sector, we are really enjoying working alongside B3Living to help deliver these stunning new homes. This has been an excellent example of how a collaborative trading relationship can prevail, despite the challenging operating conditions, creating a wonderful environment for people to live and thrive in exceptional quality homes.”

The second phase of the Oaklands development will include two-bedroom apartments for sale through the shared ownership scheme. Buyers can purchase a minimum 50% share, and people who live or work in the Borough of Broxbourne are encouraged to register their interest now by visiting https://www.b3athome-oaklands.co.uk/