Search  

More than bricks and mortar

Shoreline’s Project Horizon is a unique supported housing scheme that has addressed the problems of empty properties, anti-social behaviour, homelessness and unemployment that faced the Grange and Crowland neighbourhood, Grimsby.

The Neighbourhood Renewal -supported project, the first of its kind in the country, has reduced the number of empty properties by enrolling new tenants in a refurbishment training programme as well as offering them a home.

 

One year on

The innovative approach to regeneration has provided life-changing opportunities for young people and a radically improved estate.

Young people took up residency in Chester Walk while taking part in a construction training scheme that enabled them to renovate the remaining properties while gaining invaluable skills training and employment opportunities.

Over the last year the successful project has seen;

• the refurbishment of 26 previously empty properties
• 19 unoccupied properties let
• the recruitment of 19 new tenants
• 17 tenants successfully complete their training placements
• 6 tenants finding permanent employment
• 11 previously homeless people settled in accommodation

Many of the tenants who have taken part have overcome substance addiction and personal difficulties.

In partnership with Havelock Homes STEPS extended housing support was provided which included advice about benefits, employment and debt to successfully enable tenants to establish themselves in their own homes and as members of the new community.

The majority of the properties had been boarded up for some time, gardens were overgrown, fences broken and the area was a prime target for fly-tipping and rubbish.

The project has been welcomed and widely supported by local residents.

 

Shoreline Project Horizon manager Andrew Browne said “Shoreline knows that regeneration is more than bricks and mortar and this project has enabled us to invest in both the properties and individuals. We have been able to get to the heart of underlying problems in the area and provide a level of support to tenants that hasn’t previously been seen.

“As manager of the project it has been a real pleasure to see how this has changed the actual street scene and improved the overall appearance of the neighbourhood. But to see how it has helped people change their lives has meant so much more.

“The scheme has totally regenerated Chester Walk and the surrounding area – having a real positive impact on local residents as well as changing the lives of those taking part and creating a sustainable community on the Grange.”

Shoreline has been supported by partner organisations throughout the project including Addaction, Carter and Carter, Community Chest, DIP, Doorstep, Harbour Place, North East Lincolnshire Council and the Youth Build Academy.

The project has been held up as a model of good practice for other social landlords with Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company in Hull visiting the scheme.

 

When did it start?

Project Horizon started in December 2006.

A localised consultation door-knocking exercise identified what was needed to tackle the issues in the area and resolve the long term concerns about Chester Walk. Responding to concerns from the community about the deterioration of the flats in Chester Walk and the impact that this was having on the wider community was a key factor in the scheme being created by Shoreline.

If you are interested in construction training, apprenticeship opportunities and future projects you can register online.

 

Complete our online form to register your interest