Work is underway on a new Community-Led Housing project in Ryde — one of the first of its kind on the Island.
The innovative development will offer a mix of studio and one-bedroom flats, available at truly affordable rents.
The scheme is the first to be funded under the Isle of Wight Council's Community-Led Housing project and is due to welcome its first residents in June next year.
John Prickett, the council's Community-Led Housing officer, has been supporting Aspire Ryde to purchase and re-purpose the charity's High Street building.
Last month work started to convert the upper two floors into seven self-contained flats for Island people, including veterans, who would otherwise be in danger of homelessness.
The ARCH Community Hub and shop will be retained on the ground floor.
Aspire will support people with their tenancies with the view to their eventual move to a suitable permanent home.
Councillor Ian Stephens, the council's Cabinet member for housing, said:
"We’re excited that we’re finally able to start work on this important, Community-Led Housing project in partnership with Aspire Ryde.
"We recognise the issues facing the Island and remain absolutely committed to the delivery of affordable housing.
"We hope developments such as this will encourage more Community-Led Housing schemes to come forward and help us to provide the affordable homes we so desperately need for Islanders."
Aspire has been able to fund the purchase and development of the project through a mix of specific Community-Led Housing funding from the Isle of Wight Council, and a long-term loan from Charity Bank.
Grants from Charity Bank, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust and the B&Q Foundation have also been secured to fund the finishes to the flats.
The designers for the project, who worked with Aspire through various re-designs, were local practice Arid Design (Ltd) and the building contractor is DN Associates Limited.
Trevor Nicholas, chief executive of Aspire Ryde, said:
“We are thrilled to have got to this point with the project and are extremely grateful to John Prickett and the Isle of Wight Council, alongside Charity Bank and other grant funders for their support and commitment to providing homes for those in the greatest need.
"It is fantastic to see Community-Led Housing taking shape here and we hope that this will act as a catalyst for other projects across the Island. We are so looking forward to welcoming our first residents.”
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