Coastal Space? Whatever happened to Local Space?

The council has joined forces with local housing association AmicusHorizon to create a social regeneration project known as Coastal Space. This follows the withdrawal of Newham-based housing association Local Space from its much-heralded £2 million partnership with HBC, which had been designed to achieve very similar goals. Below we briefly relay HBC’s press release about the new link with AmicusHorizon, but keep your eye on HOT for the full story behind the departure of Local Space.

The Coastal Space project will see AmicusHorizon purchasing 51 homes, renovating them, creating larger flats rather than bedsits where possible and offering tenants support towards gaining employment and training.

The properties, all in the Central St Leonards area, will provide a welcome housing boost to one of the most deprived wards in the country. The improvements will see high-specification renovations which will benefit all.

Cllr Jeremy Birch, leader of Hastings Borough Council, commented: “We are pleased to be working with AmicusHorizon on the Coastal Space project. This is the start of an exciting scheme which is set to improve living conditions for residents in St Leonards and we look forward to future developments within the area together with Coastal Space.”

Neill Tickle, development director at AmicusHorizon, said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Hastings Borough Council to turn unloved properties into quality, affordable homes. We have a strong track-record for customer satisfaction and we are keen to work with local residents to make this a scheme to be proud of.”

The council will provide both lending and investment while AmicusHorizon will invest its own money, take on the risk and deliver the refurbished properties.

At a time when finances are limited and housing shortages are spiralling, the Coastal Space joint initiative will provide much needed local housing solutions.

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