AN INNOVATIVE project offering prime town centre homes for key workers has officially opened.
One of Stratford’s largest landlords and developers, Orbit, is celebrating its first venture into the private rented sector with the opening of Fordham House.
The 82 apartments – located on the corner of Birmingham Road and Clopton Road – will be available for private rental with priority given to workers such as nurses, firefighters, and teachers.
Opening the £10.4million development, MP Nadhim Zahawi, said: “I was delighted to formally open Fordham House and see the culmination of the innovative project that I visited earlier on during construction.
“Fordham House is unique in that it will give preference to those working in our NHS, our schools, and our emergency services – it truly is a blueprint for development and I was very pleased to be able to celebrate its opening with Orbit and all those involved in the project.”
Fordham House, which includes 64 one bedroom and 18 two bedroom apartments, has been developed by Orbit in partnership with Deeley Construction, ABD Developments and Stratford Town Trust.
Chris Crook, Orbit Homes board chair, said: “Orbit has been investing in providing quality homes and services to support its customers since 1967 and Fordham House is an extension of our commitment to provide a housing offer for everyone.
“As an ethical landlord, we have long-term investment plans to improve the social, economic and environmental prospects of communities, and developments like Fordham House make a profit so we can re-invest into building more homes to suit all needs and aspirations.”
The Fordham House site was previously home to Warwick House, which was formerly the headquarters of Stratford District Council.
Justin Williams, Chief Executive, Stratford Town Trust added: “Fordham House is a ground-breaking initiative and one we are proud to be a partner in. Using the site occupied by a vacant office building and turning it into a high quality, centrally located, site for affordable homes for key workers answers a real local need.”
Stratford District Council leader Chris Saint, town mayor Victoria Alcock, fellow councillors, Orbit Board members, staff and partners all attended the opening.
