Guinness celebrates completion of new homes

Last week social housing provider The Guinness Partnership hosted an open house event to celebrate the completion of its Stonehouse Arena development in Plymouth and welcome the first of its new residents.

The redevelopment of the derelict sports ground sees Guinness provide 56 contemporary affordable homes – 46 for affordable rent and 10 sold to first-time buyers under the shared ownership scheme.

The design focusses on reducing running costs through increased energy efficiency. Solar panels on the roof also generate electricity for use within the main building.

All homes have been built to the Lifetime Homes standard, which ensures that they can be readily adapted to meet residents’ future mobility requirements.

The scheme was designed by a local team, including Mitchell Architects, Gates Partnership and Airey & Coles. It was built for Guinness by Balfour Beatty, and received funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and Plymouth City Council.

Ryan Hosken, Head of Development Delivery at The Guinness Partnership, said: “This has been a complex project to deliver, but the results are excellent. We’re really pleased to be able to offer our customers such high-quality homes, and we are particularly grateful to the Homes and Communities Agency and Plymouth City Council for their support.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council, said: “It's great to see more local people enjoying living in their new homes. Plymouth City Council is committed to delivering more good quality homes for our residents. Our partnership with Guinness has brought the old Stonehouse Arena site back into use and I'm really pleased that we've been able to help fund this development.

“The site was disused and neglected for 13 years so we are delighted to have been able to support the regeneration and development to provide much needed modern, energy efficient and affordable housing in the city.

“Unlocking stalled sites such as this one is just one of the many ways Plymouth City Council aims to help provide more than 5,000 homes between now and 2021 as part of our Plan for Homes.”

Janet Ventre, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “I am thrilled that this scheme has opened which is a real testament to all partners involved. Guinness has built a high-quality development and I wish Stonehouse Arena residents every success in their new homes.”