FORDHAM House in Stratford has won a prestigious regional property award.
The 82-apartment complex – located on the corner of Birmingham Road and Clopton Road – has been named the Residential Property of the Year at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards, West Midlands.
The £10.4million Orbit Housing Association owned complex opened in September 2017 offering rental accommodation, with priority given to key workers such as nurses, firefighters, and teachers.
It was hailed as a ‘blueprint for the rest of the country’ by Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi when opened, but concerns were raised last summer that only four of the 67 apartments then let were home to those classified as key workers.
All of the one and two bedroomed apartments are now let, with six now let to those in public services, and the majority of the rest let to people working in the district.
An Orbit spokesperson told The Observer: “There has been a tremendous demand for accommodation at the development, which is now fully let.
“Priority for re-lettings will continue to be given to workers in the NHS, emergency services and schools, followed by people who work in local businesses within the Stratford District Council area. Currently 72 out of the households in Fordham House fall within these categories.”
Regarding the award, judging panel chair Bryony Martin praised the development.
He said: “Orbit brought their experience of managing rental properties to create a scheme that delivers a modern interpretation of the local streetscape, high levels of customer care, a mixed community of tenants and commercial success.
“Quality specification choices reflect the project team’s long-term interest, including Smart technology and a four-storey feature living wall.”
Adam Cooper, commercial director at Orbit, said the housing association was delighted to receive the award.
“Fordham House is a great example of how creating much needed centrally located homes, for people working in local businesses, can help regenerate town centres.
“We are very proud to have won this award, fighting off strong competition from prestigious central Birmingham residential developments, and we hope that Stratford is proud to have an award-winning project in the town.”
The conversion of the former office block was a partnership between Stratford Town Trust, Orbit, ABD Developments and Robothams Architects, and was built by Deeley Construction.
Fordham House is owned and managed by Orbit, with Stratford Town Trust retaining the freehold.
Last summer, rent for a one bedroom flat at Fordham House started at £695 per month, rising to £895 for a two bed.
