Posts Tagged ‘communities’

Infusion of enthusiasm at Caribbean Carnival of Manchester

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

The Miller Homes team was delighted to be involved in this year’s Caribbean Carnival of Manchester, this month, which was a huge success for the community.

More than 35,000 people attended the two day event and our Infusion development in Moss Side took part in the spectacular community parade with a float bedecked with a colourful Infusion banners and supporting dance troupe.

We were there to enjoy 48 performers wowing the crowds on two stages, as well as 24 dance troupes showcasing the best of reggae, soca and calypso music.

The appeal of the Miller Homes’ Infusion gazebo was boosted by the ‘Wall of Fame” display that featured people associated with Moss Side and had made their mark on the world stage. Celebrities like Simon Webbe of ‘Blue’, athlete Darren Campbell, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy rock group, the author Anthony Burgess and the suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and more. It proved a great attraction, with locals even adding their own suggestions of names for inclusion.

New homes at Infusion caused a positive reaction too. People found it hard to believe that a newly converted Victorian terraced house could cost from just £69,965 with equity loan of up to 30 per cent.

Infusion is a big boost for the Bowes Street area in Moss Side, helping to create a new community in this regeneration zone. The renovated and converted terraced homes have been extremely popular with homebuyers – 52 of the 71 properties have been sold in a little over 20 weeks.

In addition to the exceptional array of Caribbean music, food and fun, this year’s carnival was also tied in with a Heritage Lottery Funded event known as Project ’81, marking the riots which took place in Moss Side in 1981and the positive changes which have taken place in the community since then. Emmerdale actor Chris Bisson, who is leading the campaign, invited a number of celebrity friends to the event to help raise its profile, including a number of Hollyoaks stars. Overall it was a hugely successful and enjoyable weekend. Well done to all those involved, especially Mickey Bisson (Chris’s father), the Carnival’s organiser.

by Carolyn Walsh, Project Manager – Miller Homes

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A step in the right direction

Friday, August 5th, 2011

I breathed a small sigh of relief last week as the draft National Planning and Policy Framework was published for public consultation. Finally it seems a step has been made in the right direction with the framework forming the basis for pro-growth planning.

It’s no secret that the nation desperately needs new homes and with an increasing population it beggars belief that 2010 saw the lowest levels of house-building since 1923. I’ve already lamented on this blog the press’ focus on fluctuating house price figures rather than the fact that by next year there will be more households than there are houses.

It is crucial that we have planning in place that supports an increase in house-building and now this document is out for public consultation, we hope this is an indication that the issues are being taken seriously and will be tackled head on.  It’s what the nation needs!

Planning however only goes so far – note I only breathed a small sigh of relief. The success of the new framework is dependent on local authorities and their interpretation of what is, and can only be viewed as in my opinion, a very serious issue. With changes to planning made by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles in the form of the Localism Bill it does mean that through our communities we have some power. However, it also means that a lot is riding on the interpretation of succinct policy, and believe me, when something is succinct there is plenty of room for interpretation.

Yet, with reforms to ensure that housing decisions are made locally, it’s down to you to speak up for your communities. As the largest privately owned house-builder in the UK, we will be doing all we can to ensure that the challenge of housing our nation is met. Ever the optimists, we’re certain that the draft NPPF is the right step forward

Stewart Basely of the House Builders Federation said with no added sense of gravity:  “This is the most important planning document since the Town and Country Planning act of 1947 – it is vital we get it right.’ I wholeheartedly agree.

By Sue Warwick – National Sales & Marketing Director, Miller Homes

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Chris Bisson talks about Moss Side

Monday, July 25th, 2011

 

Those that can remember the dark days of the Moss Side riots in 1981 will know just how far the Manchester suburb has come since then. It’s a world away from the run down council estate, which made a name for itself as a place very few would dare go near. But today Moss Side has fought away many of its negative connotations and been transformed into a pleasant neighbourhood where community action is thriving.

The BBC has attempted to reflect this exceptional change in perceptions by commissioning a documentary. Local actor, Chris Bisson, who has starred in Coronation Street and Shameless, programmes which reflect life in Manchester, was asked to front the documentary charting the progress which has been made since the eighties.

Chris spoke to a number of people spanning several generations who remember the riots and commented on how things have improved. During filming Chris singled out our new homes development, Infusion, as a prime example of how developers and a council can work together to regenerate an area.

His father, Mikey Bee, a well-known community activist and one of the main organisers of the Moss Side carnival each year, told us: “A lot of things have changed for the better. Manchester City Council has done a really good job with the regeneration of the area. Chris took the film crew to see the new housing developments being marketed by Miller Homes in conjunction with Manchester City Council and GB Solutions and he was very positive about it.

“For Moss Side what they have done is a major, major thing because people can come and do cosmetic changes to the front of houses but what they have never done before is something on the scale that Infusion has done.”

Mikey now believes it is crucial that other parts of Moss Side receive the same treatment as the Infusion development at Bowes Street so that the whole neighbourhood is regenerated to the same level.

“If Manchester City Council get all the other houses done to the same standard as Bowes Street – and maybe let some for rent as well – that would be extremely positive. What’s happening there is wonderful and it’s great housing.” Mikey added.

The vision for the Infusion development was to create an attractive, stable and successful residential area – a place that has a reputation for being a safe place to live and where diversity is celebrated. To be recognised in this documentary is a very proud moment for everyone involved including Miller Homes and it is incredibly rewarding to see how our developments can help improve communities around the country.

The programme with Chris Bisson was aired on BBC North West on 7/8 July. For more information about the regeneration of Moss Side, take a look at the Project81 article.

By Michaela Lancaster – Sales Director – Miller Homes, North West

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Paving the way for progress, CIH Harrogate

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Eager to gain an insight into the UK’s housing solutions, I was fortunate enough to attend last week’s annual CIH conference and exhibition in Harrogate. The annual event remains the biggest housing and regeneration conference in the UK, with a diverse list of attendees ranging from trade and community representatives to industry experts and politicians.

Dennis Turner, chief economist for HSBC delivered an entertaining yet engaging assessment of the current state of the economy. Turner’s message was clear – that economists can but make educated guesses as to the future of the economy. That said, these predictions are well informed and based around substantial experience which gives a measured outlook for the future. Rest assured, Turner’s assessment assures me that the government is doing all it can to keep the economy moving along the road to recovery.

Another interesting observation was made by Paddy Gray, president of the CIH. Gray’s passionate and open address enforced the idea that housing should be placed on a level platform with health and education. Wider involvement from the public will elevate the importance of housing towards the top of the current government’s agenda, which can only have positive implications for future generations.

If we are to really meet the housing needs of the UK over the coming years, accountability is something we need to take a good look at and Sarah Webb, chief executive of the CIH acknowledged this. Under the terms of a new arrangement with the National Federation of Housing & Shelter, the government’s record on policy and the delivery of much-needed housing will be closely monitored to ensure that policy decisions are followed through.

One notable observation at this year’s conference was Grant Shapps’ return. Not by any means unexpected, but interestingly, Shapps is the first housing minister to return to the conference in the same post for a number of years. Perhaps we should take confidence from this stability? Shapps’ vow to look at the levels of pay amongst senior housing association personnel certainly indicates a forward-thinking vision.

Of course, the true measure of the implementation of these plans for the future will be a reflection this time next year. With the exhibition itself moving to Manchester in 2012, wouldn’t it be pleasing to greet the new location on the back of 12 months’ progress? After last week’s conference, I for one am confident that we can achieve this.

John Gilman – Director of Regeneration, Miller Homes

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Launch of astronomy at The Meadows, Durham

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

 

Residents, children and Miller Homes staff were seeing stars at the weekend, as we launched a Galaxy Garden with two astronomical sculptures at the heart of The Meadows development in Framwellgate Moor, Durham.

The Centre of the Galaxy Festival saw the community celebrate the unveiling of the artwork from where they can view both the exact centre of the galaxy and the North Star.

The Galaxy Garden was commissioned by Miller Homes as part of a percentage for Art commitment to Durham County Councils Durham City Arts. Based on the theme of astronomy, the artwork itself is a collaboration between sculptor David Edwick, poet Carolyn Jess-Cooke and landscape designer Tom Robinson. The festival event was brought together by DCA’s Suzy O’Hara, so thanks go to her for the hard work in making it such a success.

As well as creating a creative spot where the community can come together and relax, the Galaxy Garden allows residents and their children to learn about astronomy in a fun way.

Officially unveiled by the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Les Thomson, the launch event started with a procession through the development from residents and students from Framwellgate Moor High School, who looked out of this world in their own intergalactic costumes – solar system hats and shooting star backpacks! Leading the way was a processional brass band, which helped to liven it up and added to the carnival atmosphere.

A specially commissioned dance,from Durham Tin Arts was also performed by the students to a newly commissioned piece of music composed by Durham University student Dan Jeffries.

Residents were also treated to a planetarium, face painting and live music by a gamelan band and two residents Nigel Brown, a music teacher and Marcus Black, a guitar vocalist, gamelan band.

There was also space-themed bake-a-cake competition, which saw some great entries form children as well as adults.

Within the Galaxy Garden is two sculptures – The Centre of the Galaxy Viewer which combines a sand stone stepped seat, that forms the tip of a cone, from where people can picture the circular path followed by the centre of our galaxy and a Polaris Viewer, which is a tapered stone column, shaped at the top to point to the fixed Pole star, Polaris. Around the column is curved seating and an earth mound shaped like a comet tail.

Star-gazers can also enjoy the seating, lawns and surrounding lavender beds. There is also a special poem carved on to the retaining walls throughout the development, which people can read and follow and a mesostic poem on the Polaris Viewer.

The garden is something different to your typical play area. As we pride ourselves on community spirit and we wanted to give something special and innovative to our community. It is through schemes such as Percent for Art that we can really bring arts and creativity to the core of our developments.

This is a fine example of what we do when we reach for the stars for our homebuyers. Our plan is for this unique space to become the heart of the development, offering a popular but tranquil spot that combines art, education, relaxation and play to infinity and beyond!

Steve McElroy, Sales Director – Miller Homes

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Our eggs-ellent Easter plans

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

With Easter now just days away and chocolate eggs flying off supermarket shelves around the country, we thought we’d share our Easter plans with you. After all, with bank holidays galore this time of year and some rather pleasant weather forecasts now could be the perfect time for a spot of househunting.

At our Alexandra Chase development in the North East, we’re bringing families together over the Easter weekend, by offering free family portrait sessions for everyone who visits our sales office on Sunday. We’ll also be opening our new four bedroom detached show home, so why not come down and take a look?

The fun doesn’t end there, as all of our Southern and Yorkshire developments are offering a free Easter egg for each child who pays a trip to our developments. Mums and Dads out there will need no better reason to bring the kids along for a spot of Easter househunting.

So all that remains is for me to wish you a very happy Easter and an enjoyable bank holiday weekend!

Sue Warwick, national sales and marketing director, Miller Homes

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