Special apartment block build wins national award
BEST PARTNERSHIP ACCOLADE
AGRIMSBY apartment block built specifically to allow people with care needs to lead an independent life has won a national award, delighting the town builder behind it. Cordage View at the junction with Eleanor Street and Convamore Road, took the Best Partnership accolade at the Inside Housing Development Awards in London.
It saw five organisations collaborate to bring forward the constrained brownfield site.
Manchester-based Golden Lane Housing, working with Care UK’s Living Ambitions, has brought it forward, appointing JC Pomfret Construction Ltd to build it out in a challenging period.
Mountain-conquering adventurer and managing director John Pomfret, not unused to surpassing the odd obstacle, said: “Of all the contracts I’ve had the pleasure to be involved with, this one stands out for so many positive reasons.
“Being able to build productive and collaborative working partnerships with so many has been rewarding to say the least. From the offset the project had so many problems – flood risk mitigation, extensive soil contamination, problematic ground conditions and then Covid.
“Nothing can prepare you for the latter but despite this the workers along with their trusted sub-contractors carried on regardless.
“Covid had a major impact on our supply chain but again with the full understanding and backing from North East Lincolnshire Council, our clients and the project management team at Engie (now Equans) we persevered.
“Winning an award is always a pleasure but winning an award that emphasises teamwork from the shop floor through to senior management means so much more. To me this award is for my entire team. Without their loyalty and hard work this project could easily have ground to halt.”
The awards celebrate councils, housing providers, developers and architects for their work in building exemplary homes and communities across a range of different tenures and contexts.
The site was shortlisted earlier this year, and saw off competition from eight other entries from across the UK.
Abdul Latif, director of development at Golden Lane Housing, said: “We are proud that the Cordage View project has received this national award. The project is a brilliant example of how collaboration between partners and innovative thinking can provide accessible and high-quality housing solutions for people with learning disabilities. At GLH, our mission is to help people with a learning disability find a quality home around which they can build their lives, and so being able to work alongside partners who believe in this as much as we do, has been fantastic.”
A £650,000 Department of Health grant saw technology integrated to meet the demands of the tenants.
Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This project faced some tough challenges, including disruptions to the supply chain due to the pandemic, but succeeded largely due to the incredible work of those involved across each organisation, so it’s fantastic that it’s getting the recognition it deserves.
“As a council we’re keen to ensure that we have good housing stock in our area, and that includes social housing and housing that promotes independent living for those with adult social care needs.
“Cordage View has contributed to that aim.”
The development has also been shortlisted for the Chartered Institute of Housing Awards’ Working in Partnership Award. It will be announced later this month.