Over 400 affordable homes delivered during Covid-19 pandemic by Hemel Hempstead-based housing association

Despite the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic, Hightown Housing Association delivered 429 new affordable homes between April 2020 and March 2021.

Throughout the ongoing national restrictions, Hightown continued to work safely with its partners, following government guidelines to build, let and sell these much-needed high-quality homes for local people and families across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire who are unable to rent or buy a home at market rates.

Since April 2020, Hightown has built 429 new homes, including 310 affordable homes for rent and 119 homes for shared ownership.

Some of the recent developments include 20 homes at Spring Lane, Hemel Hempstead, 41 homes at Riverside, High Wycombe, 135 homes at Kingfisher Place, Aylesbury, 41 homes at Moreton Road South, Luton and 39 homes at Goldfinch House, Watford. The schemes are built on land acquired by Hightown.

Hightown has plans to build over 700 homes by March 2022. Around 525 of the homes will be for rent and 175 for shared ownership. This will be the most number of homes the Association will have delivered in a year.

Andrew Royall, Development Director at Hightown Housing Association, said: "The pandemic has presented us with many challenges, so it's fantastic that we've still been able to deliver high-quality affordable homes, during a difficult period, for people and families who need them most.

"We are one of the fastest growing housing associations in the country and to strengthen this position during the pandemic has been remarkable.

"Our aim is to create communities and homes, not just properties and we are extremely proud to improve the lives of local people, some who were homeless, by providing them with a home they can thrive in.

"I am proud of my team for their perseverance, resilience, and hard work in delivering these homes. They've had to adapt to unusual circumstances but their commitment to get the work done has been inspiring."

Hightown currently provides over 7,300 homes to more than 15,000 people in the East of England with plans to build over 700 new homes this financial year, including its largest development to date which consists of 158 new homes on Wood Lane End, in Hemel Hempstead and phase two of the 'Heart of Maylands project.

In addition to providing new homes, the development will create jobs with three commercial units bringing workplaces and homes closer together. This will increase its property portfolio to 8,000 homes by March 2022.