Development

Introduction

Elim’s development department consists of two members of staff, a  development director and a development administration officer. Elim’s developments have been very varied and this has created a portfolio which includes new build and refurbished flats and houses, supported housing for single people and general needs family homes.

Partners

As our lead partner, New Futures approves our bids for social housing grant, monitors our performance and submits grant claims on our behalf. Our performance contributes towards the overall performance of the group. New Futures also brings other opportunities for sharing ideas, procurement and economies of scale.

Elim works very closely with Sarsen within the New Futures group and currently has a management agreement covering the management of their homes in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. This has given Elim its first opportunity to manage new build homebuy. This generates income for Elim and contributes towards the number of properties brought into management each year.

We are currently a preferred development partner with Bristol City Council and Gloucester City Council.

Funding

The association will endeavour to utilise all grant-funding sources available to it in order to carry out development work. As Elim is part of a partnership, all grant processing is managed through the lead partner of New Futures, Aster Group. Funding from the Homes and Communities Agency is sought for most developments. The association will also seek to establish funding agreements with other providers of capital grants, eg Local Authorities and health or Adult Community Care grants. Developments will also require an element of private finance. This finance may be derived from the association's reserves or through loan agreements.

Current developments

GLOUCESTER

St Hilda’s Court

This development is a new build site on Red Well Rd, Matson, working in partnership with St Katharine’s church to provide 12 x one bedroom flats for move-on accommodation and a new church hall. Works started on site in November 2009 and are scheduled to be completed in March 2011. Markey Construction are the appointed contractor. The scheme incorporates air source heat pumps and rain water harvesting to reduce utility bills for the tenants and make the flats efficient and sustainable.

Musket Inn, Matson, Gloucester

Planning has been approved to provide 13 houses for social housing including 4 x 2 bedroom, 5 x 3 bedroom, 4 x 4 bedroom for general needs. This site has now been demolished. Currently awaiting update on funding availability.

BRISTOL

Waggon & Horses, Stapleton Road

Demolition works have completed and construction works have started to provide 18 units including 1 and 2 bedroom flats, 3 x four bedroom houses and 2 x three bedroom maisonettes for general needs. Works are due to complete in February 2011. Lettings will be through the Bristol Home Choice system.

Pit Pony, Easton, Bristol

Construction works have started to provide 21 units including 14 x 2 bedroom flats, 6 x 3 bedroom houses, 1 x 4 bedroom houses for general needs. 6 of the flats will be available for intermediate rent or rent to buy, the remainder will be let through the Bristol Home Choice system. The properties are due to complete in February 2011.

Cabot House, Deanery Rd, Bristol

Progress is being made in formalising the S106 transfer of the affordable units from Sarsen Housing to Elim. These 23 units due for completion May 2011, includes 12x 1beds, 10 x 2 beds, 1 x 3 beds flats.

Previous developments

BRISTOL

Combfactory Court, Easton Road

This new build development consists of 2 two bedroom flats and 7 one bedroom flats for move-on accommodation. The scheme completed in June 2009.

Waterloo Road, Old Market

This new build development (section 106 transfer) transferred to Elim in August 2009. There are 10 units for social rent (5 x one bedroom flats and 5 x two bedroom flats) all let within the first week and 4 units for intermediate rent (2 x three bedroom flats, 1 x two bedroom flat and 1 x one bedroom flat).