Putting empty home back into use

This innovative partnership involves Phoenix refurbishing our long-term empty homes that are not due to be relet, then together with co-op members and volunteers doing the work necessary to make them habitable. Being involved in this self-help scheme provides the volunteers doing the renovation work with skills, training and work experience.

The newest scheme on the Teviot Estate will be launched this month.

Jim Fitzpatrick MP will officially open nine renovated homes on Spey Street, Teviot Estate, on Thursday 26 January from 1 to 3pm followed by a reception at the Teviot Neighbourhood Centre.

Everyone involved in the work, including staff from housing associations, colleges and local volunteer sector groups spent over 1,200 hours voluntarily renovating these homes.

This scheme is part of their Housing Plus project launched in 2009, which aims to bring empty buildings back into use through use of co-op members and volunteers. It’s being developed thanks to the financial support of the Tudor Trust.

The project is delivered in the context of the government’s commitment to tackling long-term empty homes, laid out in their Housing Strategy 2011 (Chapter 5, page 39)

Please RSVP your attendance to

cmcknight@phoenixhousing.co.uk

07969840722/ 020 8983 1171

Project Address: 85-101 Spey Street, London E14 6PP

Reception: Teviot Neighbourhood Centre Wyvis Street  London, E14 6QD

Editors’ notes.

1. Phoenix is currently working with local partner agencies to identify other properties that can be used in Housing Plus projects. If you are aware of empty properties in your area, please do contact the Phoenix team. If you want to find out more about Housing Plus including how to volunteer in future projects, please contact Carlita, Housing Plus Business Development Manager on 020 7033 9539 or 07969840722.

2. The Housing Plus approach will directly contribute to:

·       reducing the number of empty properties within the local area;

·       meeting local housing need and reducing levels of local homelessness;

·       reducing the likely occurrence of vandalism, anti social behaviour and crime that empty properties can attract;

·       developing the skills and improving the employability of local residents;

·       delivering the physical, economic and social regeneration of local areas.

3. Some long-term voids (empty homes) are seen as uneconomic to bring up to the Decent Homes Standard due to wider development and regeneration plans for particular estates.