Shenley

The Trust remains committed to the regeneration of the Shenley Estate.

Residents have already seen the construction of 54 new homes, together with significant improvements to the open space, a new health centre and enhancements to the parade of shops and the flats above.

In June 2008, Richard Burden MP officially opened the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and young children’s play area which has been funded by the Trust and Sport England which has added to the improvements already made. The official opening was incorporated into a Fun Day which was attended by many local residents.

The next phase comprises the Trust's £25 million housing development at Lower Shenley. This has commenced despite the current economic climate and we are building 167 new rented and owner occupied homes.

On 21 July 2008, Chairman of Trustees, Roger Cadbury, turned the first turf to mark the commencement of the eighteen month contract with the first properties scheduled to be offered up for sale in Spring 2009.

All the homes will be constructed to the newly introduced Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 environmental standard and recycled bricks have been crushed and used for hardcore.

Other innovative techniques include a pioneering street design where people and cars share the same carriageway and pavements (see artists impressions). Home Zones were first introduced by the Dutch to provide a safer community. This particular design for residential areas encourages cars to only travel a little faster than walking pace − less than 10mph. The thinking behind a Home Zone is that other things can then be introduced into the street − areas for children to play in, larger gardens and areas for residents to meet. People will be encouraged to spend more time at the front of their homes, on the street, which should lead to safer communities.

The project has been part grant funded by the Housing Corporation. It is being supervised by Turner and Townsend Project Management of Birmingham and is being built by contractor, Kier Partnership Homes.

Bigwood Chartered Surveyors will handle the sale of 34 private homes on Parklands, off Shenley Lane which will range from two-bedroom flats to five-bedroom family houses.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Hitesh Champaneri, Development Manager on 0121 415 6472 or e-mailing him at hiteshchampaneri@bvt.org.uk