Great Places completes merger despite ‘far from ideal’ circumstances

Housing associations Great Places and Equity Housing Group have completed their merger, creating a 24,000-home landlord based across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and South Yorkshire.

The combined housing association, working under the Great Places brand, became operational on Wednesday, when the Financial Conduct Authority approved the Transfer of Engagements of Equity Housing Group to Great Places Housing Association.

The two groups have been working on an integration programme over recent months, which they said has been “of vital importance” in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Matt Harrison Great PlacesMatt Harrison, Great Places Housing Group chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the two organisations together, although the circumstances in which the deal has been finalised have been far from ideal.

“In bringing the two organisations together, we have created a financially resilient organisation, which will be more flexible and better placed to deal with the rapidly-changing external environment.

“We will continue to support colleagues and customers during these difficult times and once we are able to return to a normal working environment, we will set about our ambitious development programme to tackle the housing crisis and enhance our social value offering across our communities.”

Following legal completion of the transfer, Equity’s customers have become tenants of Great Places.

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