Councillor Susan Wise, cabinet member for customer services, said: “The transfer is great news for the residents on Foreshore and Albemarle. They chose Hyde Housing because they felt it was best able to demonstrate its commitment to preserving the Grade II status of their homes. As well as Hyde improving and respecting the character of homes on both estates, residents will be able to have a real say in how things are run.”
Paul Singleton, managing director of Hyde South East, said: “Hyde is delighted to be selected as the preferred landlord of the residents of Foreshore and Albemarle and is proud of the partnership we have developed with residents. This stock transfer is a direct result of their hard work and commitment. We look forward to delivering the investment and long-term stewardship of their homes.”
Kate Gordon, chair of the newly-formed residents’ Estate Board, commented: “Residents of Foreshore and Albemarle have been working closely with Hyde for two years to achieve the successful outcome to the stock transfer. We are fortunate to live in a fascinating part of London in buildings of historic interest. We are confident that Hyde will work with us to maintain and improve our homes and enhance the environment around us to everyone's benefit.”
Due to the fact Foreshore Estate is a Grade II listed building, the work to be carried out must be sympathetic to its Listed Building status, with English Heritage involved in final approval. Hyde will spend £4.2m over the next 30 years, delivering the Government’s Decent Homes Standards.
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Work to tenants' homes will include new kitchens, new bathrooms, improvements to the central heating and hot water systems and the installation of secondary glazing.
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Works to the blocks and communal areas will include, improved door entry systems, improved lighting, better parking arrangements and landscaping works to river front and rear gardens.
Other key promises that form part of the transfer deal are:
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Improved housing management service provided by Hyde Resident involvement – setting up a resident-led community board to give residents a say in how their homes are managed
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Improvements to safety and security including external and communal lighting to both Albemarle and Foreshore
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In addition, at Foreshore the door entry system will be extended to the front entrance of each block
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At Albemarle a new secure lobby and rear entrance will be created, this lobby will also provide a secure area for bicycle storage
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There will also be improvements in the management of anti-social behaviour
Hyde’s staff will be supported by an Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, who will support local partnerships, ensure a swift and appropriate response to incidents and take a broader community focus.
