First Garden Cities Homes officially open the 57-home scheme
A housing association has unveiled its largest ever shared ownership development in Letchworth. First Garden Cities Homes (FGCH) officially opened the 57-home scheme, named Gary Grindal Court, on Friday.
The site is located on Icknield Way and was fully reserved within weeks of launching.
John Welch, chief executive of FGCH, said: “There is a shortage of affordable housing in Letchworth, so we felt that anything we could do to help would be welcomed by the community.
“It’s great that we’ve been able to provide 100 per cent of the homes at Gary Grindal Court on an affordable basis, with options for people on a range of incomes.
“All 57 properties went quickly, despite a tricky sales market – 31 for shared ownership and 26 for affordable rent.
“The development is our largest-ever shared ownership project and we are delighted to have been able to help so many local people take their first step onto the property ladder.”
The scheme was built with funding support from Homes England, North Herts Council, and private finance raised by FGCH.
Gary Grindal Court is named in honour of the late FGCH chair Gary Grindal, who was a dedicated supporter of affordable housing and a former North Herts Council cabinet member.
A lifelong West Ham United fan, Mr Grindal was fondly remembered during the opening ceremony, which was attended by his family, residents, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, MP Chris Hinchliff, and other guests.
In tribute to Mr Grindal, as a nod to his unstinting support for West Ham United, bubbles floated above guests’ heads at the end of the opening ceremony reception to the sound of ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ – the Hammers’ song.
John Newland, a friend of Mr Grindal for more than 40 years, said the gesture was “absolutely perfect… the icing on the cake.”