The parties involved in replacing the former Viking House office building in Hemel Hempstead with new affordable homes recently paid a visit to see how progress is being made on site. Lead contractor, Thomas Sinden, Hightown Housing Association, MP for Hemel Hempstead, Sir Mike Penning, Dacorum Borough Council and Homes England took time to walk the site and see the scheme taking shape.
The development will bring new and contemporary architecture to the area of Marylands and will feature 87 one and two bedroom apartments built across four blocks. 40 of the homes will be available for intermediate rent while the remaining 47 will be let via Dacorum Borough Council’s Choice Based Lettings system.
A focal point of the development will be the central landscaped area and children’s play area, surrounded by three, four storey blocks, rising to a nine storey block which will create a landmark corner building and provide a shared community space for residents to enjoy. A new cycle and foot path will also be linked to the strategic cycle path along the former railway line, known as The Nickey Line.
Graeme Sinden, Director of Thomas Sinden comments, ‘’Thomas Sinden is delighted to be working with Hightown Housing Association to deliver this significant affordable housing development in Hemel Hempstead. Peregrine Close is an important scheme for us and we look forward to working with the team to deliver a scheme to be proud of.’’
David Bogle, Hightown Chief Executive adds, “Hightown welcomes the funding received from Dacorum Borough Council and Homes England in order to make this development happen. Not only did it allow us to procure this site, it has allowed us to deliver a 100% affordable housing scheme of much-needed homes for rent. Peregrine Close will provide a new and contemporary look to this area of the Maylands and provide the local people with a fantastic place to live.”
Carol Cairns, Homes England’s head of home ownership and supply in the South East, added: “We are really pleased to be helping to bring this local site back into use. It’s fantastic to be part of this development which will see new homes, including affordable, being delivered in Hemel Hempstead to meet the needs of the local community.”