Landmark housing site signals start of Pitsea re-development (From Basildon Recorder)

Landmark housing site signals start of Pitsea re-development

10:00am Monday 10th December 2012 in Echo News By Luke Lambert

A LANDMARK housing development has been dubbed as the ideal start to Pitsea’s regeneration by Basildon bosses.

The £14million Station Lane homes between Pitsea’s Tesco Extra and the town centre have been unveiled more than two years after work began in 2010.

The new site, which has been built by the Genesis Housing Group and Logic Homes in partnership with Basildon Council, has 121 homes - 56 of shared ownership, 25 with intermediate rent and 40 of general needs.

The three blocks of homes, which have 25 one bedroom flats and 96 two bedroom flats, on the 1.4 acre site also cater for over 55s and allowed families who were on the council housing register to downsize into better-sized homes.

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, said the homes were a big plus for the economy.

“This was labelled as the start of largescale changes in Pitsea and that is what has been delivered. It is a quality development and will serve as a great environment for those who are lucky enough to live there.

“Downsizing is crucial in freeing up space on the housing register and will allow families to move into homes that are more suitable to their needs. This development is the first of many exciting changes in Pitsea.”

Building the accommodation also saw the employment of ten apprentices from Prospects College where they gained experience and skills in bricklaying, carpentry and painting and decorating. Station Way will also have 126 parking spaces, 109 cycle bays and a cafe.

As part of the development, Genesis renewed the pedestrian area and the public highway surrounding the homes which cost £400,000. Before the development started, nearby residents and traders had complained of rats occupying the land.

Stephen Metcalfe, South Basildon and East Thurrock MP, attended the ceremony and said the homes were a crucial part of the economy.

“I came here just over two years ago and it is phenomenal the changes that have been made. I am surprised at how quickly the development has gone up and the homes put on the market and it has already made a significant impact on the local area. It really is the kickstart of Pitsea’s regeneration.”