The Unity Community Development Consortium is empowering housing associations and community groups to build many more affordable homes in Yorkshire and the Humber
It was established in May 2021 by Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise in the wake of the pandemic, which had such a detrimental effect on housebuilding in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Over the past five years, the partnership has expanded in size and, alongside founding members including Chartford Housing, now incorporates equally well-known organisations such as Manningham Housing Association (MHA), Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, Harrogate Housing Association and Hull Churches.
Securing affordable homes for vulnerable people across Yorkshire and the Humber
UCDC is currently supporting Chartford Housing to secure additional properties in West Yorkshire for some of the most vulnerable people in the region.
It has recently supported BME provider MHA to acquire 36 large family homes at Odette’s Point in Keighley, 19 two- and three-bedroomed houses at Victoria Road in Bradford and a large extended family house also in Bradford.
MHA’s board has also approved a programme to deliver 150 new homes over the next five years and asked UCDC to continue its invaluable support.
UCDC provides planning expertise for companies developing new homes
Harrogate Housing Association will soon begin building work on 20 new affordable homes with planning expertise provided by the consortium.
On behalf of Hull Churches, UCDC has exchanged contracts to acquire 12 two-bedroom houses for letting to local people.
Although not formally part of the consortium, UCDC has supported Pickering and Ferens in achieving their development aspirations and, to date, has been involved in delivering over 40 new homes, facilitating the acquisition of 25 properties via a Section 106 agreement with Persimmon Homes and developing a healthy pipeline of new opportunities using local Hull-based developers.
Tailoring assistance to each member’s aspirations
Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise, said the consortium provides pivotal assistance to each member’s development aspirations in many ways, including sharing best-practice expertise and pooling financial resources.
He commented: “By setting up the Unity Community Development Consortium with colleagues in Yorkshire and Humber, we wanted to use the vast experience we have built up over almost four decades.
“This has already paid significant dividends across the region with many more affordable properties either completed, in development, acquired from the open market or progressing through planning, than would otherwise have been the case.
He concluded: “Not all providers have the staff or resources to deliver standalone projects that expand their housing stock. By drawing on the professional support of other consortium members, we have made a real difference and hope to accelerate that progress in the months and years ahead.”
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