Women help build a better future for council tenants
A newly-appointed team – entirely made up of women – is leading a £59million programme to create more affordable homes for rent across Sunderland.
The new appointments at Sunderland City Council – including a housing development manager, two development officers and a technical coordinator – have helped form a new team of professionals charged with buildingcouncilhousesinthe city and tackling the number of empty homes.
The team is charged with delivering the city’s Housing DeliveryandInvestmentPlan, which aims to see more than 360emptypropertiesbrought backintouseoverthenextfive yearsaswellproviding117new build bungalows and 95 new homes which offer supported accommodation.
The team is also challengingstereotypesintheprocess, supporting more women into construction related roles.
Amanda Gallagher leads thecouncil’shousingdevelopmentprogrammeofnewbuild construction and is joined by architecturally qualified Samantha Lowrie who is the
team’s technical coordinator andtwodevelopmentofficers – Tracey Dobson, and Yasmin Ellis.
Cllr Rebecca Atkinson, dynamic city cabinet member, said: “We’re thrilled to have assembled a small but dynamic team of property professionals to deliver our £59m programme that will
see us provide more affordable homes for rent, and tackle problematicemptyproperties in this city.
“It’s fantastic that, as we mark International Women’s Day,thatwecanproudlypoint to the fantastic new team we have in place, who are challenging stereotypes by building a successful career in
property.I’mproudtobeheading up this important council agenda.”
Sunderland City Council’s return to housebuilding follows its move to once again become a Registered Housing Provider, renting its first homes in more than 20 years earlier in 2020.
Cllr Atkinson said: “We’re determined to see all of the city’shomesoccupiedandpositively shaping our communities. Not only does it make good environmental sense to bring existing buildings into use, it also ensures that Sunderlandcanofferawiderange ofhomestoresidents,andthat webuilderstrong,sustainable communities."