Residents attend Weston Heights open day

A community information day gave residents the opportunity to find out more about a landmark regeneration scheme under way at Coalville, Stoke-on-Trent.

Organised by the Compendium Group, it gave residents the chance to find out more about every aspect of the regeneration programme and the Weston Heights redevelopment at Weston Coyney, including information on the new homes being built for rent, shared ownership and outright sale as well as the new community facilities and regeneration initiatives which form a key part of the programme. Partners from the organisations involved in the £55 million regeneration scheme for the former mining estate were on hand to talk about the scheme, offer advice and information and answer any queries.

The partners and agencies represented at the open day included the Compendium Group - the special purpose development company set up by affordable housing provider Lovell and the Riverside Group - which is carrying out the development. Also attending were representatives from Renew North Staffordshire, which commissioned the development, Coalville Residents Association, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, ART Homes (which provides affordable loans to homeowners for repairs and maintenance), the Access to Services team, the Home Options team, the CAB, the police and the fire service.

The Weston Heights redevelopment – which follows a masterplan supported by 81 per cent of the local community - involves the demolition of 250 homes which are being replaced with 278 new properties. The development will also feature a new public open space with recreational facilities. Compendium is also involved in a range of community regeneration initiatives, including investing in local jobs and training opportunities, and working with local young people.

At the open day, residents were able to see the standard of the new housing being built at Weston Heights by visiting the new semi-detached three-bedroom show home ahead of its official opening on 13 October. There were also activities for children and young people on the West Street play area.