Councillors and residents participated in an abseiling fundraiser held in Hemel Hempstead to raise money for charity.

Fundraisers took on a 60ft abseil at the Paradise depot to raise money for local causes.

Dacorum Borough Council arranged the event and money raised from the project will go towards homelessness charity DENS and the Dacorum Mayor’s Future Fund. At time of writing nearly £1,500 has been raised.

Councillors, members of the authority’s housing team, DENS representatives, and staff from Bugler Developments, all took part.

Fundraisers abseil 60ft down the side of the new Paradise development in Hemel Hempstead

placeholder image — Fundraisers abseil 60ft down the side of the new Paradise development in Hemel Hempstead

Paradise depot is the location for a newly opened housing development run by Dacorum Borough Council called Eden Court. It consists of 56 new homes that will be available for social rent, a community hub which will be used by the homeless charity, space allocated for a food bank, and a cafe.

Dacorum Borough Council reveals that the homes will be ready in early 2027 and the Dens building is set to open in November of this year.

Homes in the new development will have either one or two bedrooms, each with their own ‘private outdoor space’.

Councillor Simy Dhyani said: “This was a fantastic event to mark the progress of the site at Paradise. There was a great community spirit and it was inspiring to see so many people and our partners coming together to support a cause that changes lives.

DENS CEO Wendy Lewington and Natasha Beresford, Dacorum Borough Council's Strategic Director for Housing and Property Services.

“I know how many local people are struggling to find a secure, affordable home, and that’s why this development matters so much. This project is about more than housing. The new headquarters for DENS will bring its foodbank and services under one roof, and the community café will offer real work experience for local people. It’s going to be a place that not only supports those in need but also brings people together. I feel proud that we’re creating something that will make such a difference to people’s lives. This is about giving people hope, opportunity and a better future.”

Homes on the site will be allocated via the council’s existing housing policy. Dacorum Borough Council says the buildings have been built to be energy efficient and will include air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.