Community takes shape at Hanham Hall

Some of the first occupants of the affordable homes at Hanham Hall, one of the country’s most important zero-carbon developments, have been speaking of their delight about moving to this flagship new community.

Sovereign Housing Association is providing 61 affordable homes at Hanham Hall, in South Gloucestershire.

“It felt like coming home when we moved in,” said Rachael Williams, who lives at Hanham Hall with her two daughters, Maria, aged nine, and two-year-old Leila.

Rachael, 33, previously lived in a two-bedroom flat on the ground floor of a converted house in Lockleaze, Bristol. She was born with a condition affecting her vertebrae, which means that her mobility is impaired.

“The old flat was really challenging to live in with my disability and two young children. There were lots of uneven levels, steps I had to climb and narrow corridors. It was incredibly difficult for me to get around. It was also far away from my friends and family, so at times it felt quite isolating,” she explained.

“Now my family and friends are nearby, the girls are settled in school and the house is perfect for me. We have level-access flooring, parking nearby and other features that make it much easier for me to manage, which will be more important as my condition deteriorates.

“The garden and outdoor areas are great and our neighbours are all lovely. There’s a real sense of community and we have loads of visitors which is really nice. We are so happy here as a family, I feel really lucky,” Rachael said.

The homes Sovereign is providing at Hanham Hall consist of 54 general needs rental properties, eight of which will be wheelchair accessible, and seven shared ownership homes.

The Hanham Hall development, which is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and has been built by Barratt Homes, is made up of 185 eco-homes. These properties are super-insulated timber-frame buildings that have been built to meet the highest energy efficiency standards.

As well as knowing that they are contributing to reduced carbon emissions, Hanham Hall residents will also benefit from reduced energy bills, communal facilities such as allotments, green spaces and cycle routes to the centre of Bristol.

“It’s very pleasing to see a strong and coherent community taking shape at Hanham Hall,” said Mandy Day, Sovereign Regional Director for the West of England. “We are very proud to be involved in this flagship project, and have devoted a great deal of time and resources to make sure that the new residents understand the benefits of living in such a unique community, and supporting them in adapting to this new way of living."

Development work at Hanham Hall is due to be completed in April 2015. The original Grade II listed Hanham Hall building is being refurbished as part of the development plans.