Leading housing figures from the Midlands saw a glimpse of the future at the launch of a new regional housing group.
The National Space Centre was the venue for the launch of Futures Housing Group, which brings together two housing associations in the East Midlands.
National Housing Federation chief executive, David Orr, gave the keynote speech at the event before guests took part in their own space mission.
Mr Orr sent a clear message to lenders that the housing sector continues to be a ‘safe bet’ amid fears of a credit crunch. He told delegates that the quality of housing associations’ work and their role as stewards of local resources made them an investment ‘second to none’.
Futures Housing Group brings together Amber Valley Housing and Daventry & District Housing. Currently the group manages 8,600 homes in Derbyshire and Northamptonshire.
Lindsey Williams, group chief executive, said: “Futures Housing Group is a forward thinking regional housing group, with its heart firmly in the community.
“We have a fantastic opportunity as a new group to use our combined resources to make a difference, both to the residents of our 8,600 homes and also to new residents and those in the wider community.”
Futures Housing Group has a development programme of nearly 300 affordable homes over the next six years and will invest up to £200m in building, improving and repairing homes over the same period.
