SERENA, SOLAR & SUNRISE UPDATE www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
JUNE 2018
LBHHousing
Regeneration meeting – Solar, Serena & Sunrise Monday 26 February 2018
Neil Stubbings, Havering’s regeneration consultant briefs residents
Latest Meeting On Monday 26 February, Neil Stubbings and Sharon Nunn visited residents at Solar, Serena & Sunrise to give an update on the regeneration programme across Havering. This was the seventh meeting for Solar, Serena & Sunrise and update information included:
• The rehousing process has now started at Solar,
Serena & Sunrise. As of January 2017 there were 34 residents living at Solar, Serena & Sunrise. So far, nine have moved and there are 23 residents still living here.
• Ideally we would like the site to be completely empty
by late summer 2019. Available sheltered and general needs properties are now being prioritised for Solar, Serena & Sunrise resident matches.
• Feedback about the plans for the redevelopment from the residents is very important to build ideas into the designs. We will be arranging meetings with our development partner.
• Residents will still have priority to move back onto the
new development once it has been completed should they wish to.
First demolitions will be the Waterloo Estate, Napier House and New Plymouth House and Solar, Serena & Sunrise. Demolition is due to start in late 2019.
Havering Council is really pleased to be working with Wates Residential as a Joint Venture partner in the £1 billion regeneration project, which will see 12 Council estates regenerated to provide around 3,000 homes in Havering over the next 12 years. Wates has been chosen after an extensive procurement process during which they proved they are well placed to deliver the new homes that we need and outlined their commitment to the long-term future of Havering. They also showed that not only do they have an awareness of the culture, history and heritage of Havering but they share the Council’s vision for the future of the borough. The project will see an overhaul of Havering’s existing Council accommodation on the 12 Sites. Delivering improved provision, the regeneration will increase Council rented accommodation by 70 per cent and build 400 low-cost home ownership properties. By doubling the amount of affordable housing on the 12 estates, this project delivers much-needed affordable homes for residents that are truly affordable on local income levels. In addition to the new house building, there will be a significant amount of new jobs created as well as excellent supply chain opportunities for local businesses to be involved with.
Serena, Solar & Sunrise Update JUNE 2018
Questions & Answers Q. Will the redevelopment start while there are still residents living here? A. This is highly unlikely, as the site is not big enough for a phased development. However, the development partner will be able to answer for certain if this will be possible. Q. Will homeless people be allowed to move into the empty properties at Solar, Serena & Sunrise on a short-term basis? A. Sheltered schemes will never be used to rehome homeless people. Temporary moves will only be sheltered housing residents moving in on a short term basis. Q. Once Solar, Serena & Sunrise have been completely decanted is there a possibility of homeless people moving in then? A. This hasn’t yet been considered. Neil Stubbings will take this back as a concern for the TMO. Q. Can the TMO be kept in the loop for the new development? A. Yes, we will ensure TMO officers are invited to future meetings as well as to meet the development partner. Q. If you refuse the first offer, will this property be offered to another resident?
A. Flooring and carpets are on a like-for-like basis. If you already have wooden flooring and are moving to a ground floor property then yes. If a resident does not have wooden flooring but would like it in their new property, providing the property is on the ground floor, an agreement can be made with the resident where they pay for the difference between carpet and wooden flooring themselves. Q. How long do residents have to move into their new property and will allowances be made if there are supplier issues with carpets, curtains etc? A. As residents have started to move we have found it usually takes around two weeks for the moving process. If there are delays, arrangements can be made. Q. Is there a date for everyone to have moved by? A. The current time for Solar, Serena & Sunrise Lodge to be completely vacated is summer 2019. Q. Will the home loss affect your benefits? A. If residents have savings which will increase with the lump sum payment we can approach our Benefits Advice team to request personal individual advice regarding the payment and benefit status. Sheltered staff will be happy to assist anyone with concerns to seek this advice.
A. yes Q. If a resident wishes to move back to the new development once it is completed, will the disturbance payments be paid again? A. Yes, disturbance payments will be covered, however, the home loss lump sum payment will not be paid again. Q. How long will the rebuild take? A. The development will take approximately two years from start to finish. Q. Can you have wooden floors in your new property?
Wednesday
5
SEPTEMBER
2018
Future meetings: The next update meeting will be on Wednesday 5 September in the communal lounge from 1.30pm..
Meet the Contractor Havering Council and Wates will be hosting a meet and greet drop in session at Solar, Serena, Sunrise - Communal Lounge - Sunrise Avenue, Hornchurch, RM12 4YT on Wednesday 23 May between 4pm – 7pm. This will be an opportunity to give us your views and consult with us on the design of the buildings.
Contact details:
www.havering.gov.uk/regenadvice housingregeneration@havering.gov.uk www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration 5383SSS