200 and Counting – Ambitions Continue for Community Landlord
WMUCH co-founder Witton Lodge Community Association is celebrating a landmark achievement after its portfolio of properties for rent surpassed 200.
The Perry Common based community landlord has been tireless in its attempts to provide affordable and social housing which meets the needs of local people.
In 2017 the Association set up a subsidiary, Witton Lodge Community Homes (WLCH) to develop its housing and community asset development aspirations. Targeting empty properties to bring them back into use, WLCH works with Birmingham City Council and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for new build development which can also provide affordable housing solutions.
This new milestone underlines the commitment and progress Witton Lodge has made to realising its long-term goals.
“Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, said: “Our asset base of social, affordable and market rent homes has enabled the Association to invest in communities and transform neighbourhoods in Erdington and across North Birmingham.
“This is a significant achievement for us and the community led housing movement, as what really sets us apart from others is that our developments are shaped by local people and go with the grain of communities.”
Having achieved registered provider status with Homes England, WLCH can apply directly for funding to develop and manage properties.
The Association’s Homes and Assets Development Manager, Gareth Hopkins, said: “We have aspirations to do even more. When we purchase properties they often need a lot of investment, so we aim to retrofit and refurbish them to a really high standard.”
“We are proud to be investing in our properties and working towards local and national carbon zero targets and helping our Tenants save money on their energy bills. Given the cost of living crisis, this is obviously good for our tenants and good for the environment.”
Ends
For more information and photo opportunities call Steve Sharma on 0121 382 1930 or email: [email protected]
Witton Lodge Community Association, Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common B23 5JD.
Website: www.wittonlodge.org.uk
Facebook @WittonLodgeCommunityAssociation
Twitter: @wittonlodge
