Double celebration for star Sheffield housing development

A double celebration took place at a multi-million pound housing development, which has helped transform a Sheffield neighbourhood.

Customers at Great Places Housing Group’s £20million scheme in Wybourn celebrated the official launch of the development with a family fun day for the new residents.

But there was another cause for celebration, as it was recently announced that the development was shortlisted for a prestigious Inside Housing Development Award in the ‘Best Affordable Housing Development’ category.

Great Places became landlord of Wybourn in 2007, after being chosen by residents, taking on management of nearly 1,200 homes and open spaces. Work on the development started in June 2013, and was built in several phases, with over £1million of funding provided by the Homes and Communities Agency.

All 167 of the homes were snapped up prior to completion. Featuring plenty of open spaces and landscaping, the development offers modern, high quality bungalows, apartments and houses, which are also eco-friendly to keep customers’ bills low.

The first phase of the project was shortlisted as ‘Residential Development of the Year’ at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards in 2016.

To celebrate Great Places provided fairground attractions, face painting and food by the Real Junk Food Project. Great Places Board member Celia Cashman and Executive Director of Customer Services Guy Cresswell also attended to welcome customers to their new homes.

Guy Cresswell said: “I am delighted to see this Wybourn community completed after four years of development. The scheme will provide a stable community for local residents for years to come, and it’s a pleasure to meet so many customers who are already happily settled in their new homes.

“To be shortlisted for an award is a testament to the quality and affordability of the homes we are providing in Sheffield, as well as the positive impact it has had on the local community. We’ve used local labour wherever possible to boost employment opportunities, creating 18 apprenticeships and two work placements, and even conducted an archaeological dig during development to ensure the scheme paid tribute to the area’s history. Feedback from customers, local residents and the council has been brilliant and we hope the community continues to thrive for years to come.”