SaxonWeald: 20 years, 250,000 repairs and £70 million invested

Saxon Weald turns 20 on 11 December. In that time, the Sussex-based housing association has grown by over 2,000 homes, carried out a quarter of a million repairs and invested more than £70 million in improving properties.

Saxon Weald was originally set up to take over the ownership of Horsham District Council’s 4,609 homes.

On transfer, Saxon Weald made four 5-year promises: to invest in the quality of homes, to keep rents affordable, to listen to customers and to help provide new affordable homes.

Steven Dennis, Chief Executive, comments: “I am really proud to say that we are still keeping to these promises all this time later.

“We have invested a huge amount of money in our homes, from the early days of replacing single-glazed windows and installing gas central heating where possible, to updating countless kitchens and bathrooms, and improving levels of insulation.

“Despite spending more than £70 million on our existing homes, we have also built 1,700 new properties. This has made an invaluable contribution to the shortfall of affordable homes in our local area.”

Simon Turpitt, Chairman, reflects: “Looking back on our 20 years, there is so much to celebrate. Highlights for me include launching our inhouse repairs service in 2009, building 11 extra care schemes including our flagship Highwood Mill development in 2017, and redeveloping over 300 outdated bedsits into appealing modern homes.

“My thanks go to all our staff and partners, past and present, who have contributed to our success.”

Saxon Weald employs 250 people, just over double the 120 it started with. This includes a 90-strong team of repairs operatives and 29 scheme managers.

Saxon Weald is a proud holder of the Investors in People gold accreditation.