Mike Penning attends opening of new apartments

Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, attended the opening of new apartments in the former tax office building overlooking the Water Gardens.

Lord Alexander House has been completely refurbished and transformed by Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association into a colourful and vibrant block of apartments to rent.

There are 67 homes for local people who cannot afford to rent or buy housing at market rates. An additional floor has been added to the building and an attractive roof garden created with superb views over the town and the adjacent Water Gardens.

Mike Penning said “As well as transforming this building, these new homes have transformed people’s lives. I know quite a few of the people who have moved in, and their new homes have completely changed their lives for the better.”

This project provides a welcome boost to Hemel Hempstead and to the Water Gardens area. Hightown’s residents will help to bring life back into the town centre especially during the evenings and when the shops and offices are closed.

Of the 67 one and two bedroom flats at Lord Alexander House, 52 have been let through Dacorum Borough Council’s Choice Based Lettings scheme and the other 15 one bedroom flats provide supported housing for people with disabilities (with adjacent office and sleep in space for the support staff).

Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hightown is on track to build 581 much needed affordable homes for people in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire during 2012. This is more new homes than Hightown has ever delivered in one year.

Nearly 200 of the new homes will be in the Dacorum Borough Council area.

Cllr Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council said, “This development is a shining example of how we’re working with other organisations, like Hightown, to rejuvenate the town centre and provide the housing that our residents both want and need.”