Bishop of Stepney Gives Blessing to 58 New Affordable Homes in Tower Hamlets

12/10/06

The Bishop of Stepney today officially launched the start of building work on a new affordable housing development in Tower Hamlets, which will create 58 new homes by September 2007.

The Bishop unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Flora Close site to mark the start of work on the £7.5m project, which will provide a mixture of affordable housing for families, couples, single people and those with disabilities in the Tower Hamlets area.

The Southwark and London Diocesan Housing Association (SLDHA), which works with the Diocese of London, is providing affordable accommodation to people with housing needs, by demolishing a block of 24 derelict flats and developing 58 brand new properties.

The SLDHA has received over £4m from the Housing Corporation to develop the scheme. The Borough of Tower Hamlets disposed of the site, which was previously owned by the Local Authority, at no additional cost.

The Bishop of Stepney welcomed this imaginative venture and thanked representatives from the Borough of Tower Hamlets, the Housing Corporation and SLDHA for their partnership with the Church in making this project possible.

The Bishop of Stepney said:

"The Flora Close project is a wonderful example of where Church-based organisations and local authorities can work imaginatively together. What was previously a derelict site will now be turned into much needed new affordable housing.

"The Church in London is committed to encouraging and assisting the development of high quality affordable housing and the creation of successful communities. This is the first housing project that the Diocesan Housing Association has undertaken in Tower Hamlets and I certainly hope it will not be the last."