[T]he completion of the scheme which provides ten new homes for local families has been officially marked by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev’d James Newcome, who is President of the Association, who unveiled a plaque to celebrate the completion of the new homes on Tuesday 24 April 2018.
The flagship scheme is centred around the Diocese of Carlisle’s former outdoor activity centre which closed after the summer of 2014 and was subsequently acquired by Mitre Housing Association.
The £1.7 million project will provide much needed affordable housing targeted at those in local need, with a three bedroomed family home, six two bedroomed houses and three one bedroomed homes being built.
Bishop James said: “I am a huge supporter of Mitre Housing Association and I am delighted that they have been able to provide these new homes in Coniston. It was always our stipulation that, after the Youth Centre closed, this site should continue to serve local people through the development of affordable housing.
“It is such a tangible sign of how the church can work together with others in the community to make a real difference. It will be a great privilege to unveil a plaque and officially open the scheme.”
The design of the new development has been undertaken by Day Cummins architectural practice working with Rebecca Field on behalf of the Association. It has sought to create a scheme which is sympathetic to the local environment, with the existing slate roofs retained and external finishes being a mix of natural slate and rendered surfaces.
The main contractor has been Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd who commenced work on the site back in January 2017. They have been supported by Day Cummins, the project Architects, Donleys Quantity Surveyors and Tweddle & Slater Structural and Civil engineers.
The project is being funded with a grant from the Homes England, a grant from South Lakeland District Council, a contribution from the Association’s reserves and the remainder funded through a loan from Barclays Bank.
The Chairman of Mitre Housing Association, Steve Huddart said: “Mitre Housing is delighted to see this flagship scheme coming to fruition. It will provide ten new affordable homes for local people and we are very grateful to everyone who has played a part in supporting and helping to deliver the scheme.”
Mitre Housing Association now has 152 properties across Cumbria and works extensively throughout the National Park and other areas to provide affordable accommodation for local people.
