Regenda completes first Empty Homes scheme

The Regenda Group has used cash from the Government's new Empty Homes programme to bring two empty properties in Rochdale back into use.

Regenda claims it was the first North West housing provider to successfully bid for the funding in 2011/12.

The two terraced houses in Holmes Street had been unoccupied for several years when Rochdale Council used a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire them. Regenda then successfully bid for funding from the government's Empty Homes Fund and work began on site three months ago.

The first round of successful bids was announced in November for schemes that would be delivered by April.

Tracy Heyes, executive director of operations at Regenda, said: "We are committed to bringing empty homes back into use. These two derelict buildings, which were an eyesore for the local community, have been restored to provide good quality accommodation for two local families. We have also had some really positive feedback from other residents in the area about the impact this has made.

"These are much needed local homes in an area of high demand and the project is also a great example of partnership working with Rochdale Council."

She added: "We have further similar projects which we will be launching across the North West in the near future. Just one or two of these empty properties in a community can have a significant impact on the people who live there and, by undertaking a project to bring them back into use, we are not only transforming a property but in many cases a whole neighbourhood."

The project, which cost £126,000, received a £50,000 grant from the Homes & Communities Agency's Empty Homes Fund.

Riverside Group and Chester & District Housing Trust also won funding from the Empty Homes programme.