Bradford housing association to begin £18.5m regeneration

A Bradford housing association has been granted planning permission by Bradford Council to regenerate its Ripleyville estate, following a consultation.

Accent Housing’s Ripleyville is formed of several blocks of flats which proved expensive for residents to heat. The design and layout of the blocks has encouraged anti-social behaviour over the years in an area where there is an over supply of flats and strong demand for family housing.

Following a significant appraisal of the site and evaluation of the living environment it provided, a major engagement and consultation programme with residents and over 2,000 members of the surrounding community was carried out. Overwhelming support was given for the 1970s estate to be demolished and regenerated.

The regeneration project totalling an estimated £18.5m represents a significant investment in the area. 73 new family homes, which will be available for affordable rent, will be built using innovative modern methods of construction.

A fabric first approach, supported by an energy strategy, will ensure it meets Accent’s commitment of ensuring new built homes achieve an EPC rating of ‘A’ to help combat the increasing number of people facing fuel poverty and meet Accent’s sustainability aspirations.

Andrew Black,senior development manager, commented: “This is an exciting new development for Accent. Ripleyville is a large estate and the 73 new homes due to be built will bring long-lasting regeneration, sustainability and opportunity to the local and wider community and address the historic issues the site has had.”

“We have worked closely in the community to identify which types of homes are in most need in the area and consulted on a large scale to ensure we meet both the immediate and long-term needs of residents, especially in providing homes which are cost effective to run.”

“The plan captures many of the aspirations of Accent’s development and growth strategy to build desirable homes in areas of need which promote a better standard of living, reduces running costs for residents and contributes positively to the local community.”

Andrew concluded: “I am confident that our new homes will bring lasting benefits for everyone who lives in and near them.”

Accent will begin the development in late spring. The new homes are expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.