Partners behind a £69m project to build hundreds of homes across Kirklees have hailed the initiative a success.
Kirklees Council partnered consortium JLW Excellent Homes for Life – made up of housebuilder Wates Living Space and John Laing – to embark on the scheme.
Following the completion of the programme, figures have been released showing its impact on the Kirklees economy.
Some 313 Kirklees residents were employed and trained on the project, including over 40 apprentices.
The project delivered 466 new homes across 27 sites. They comprised 326 one and two-bedroom apartments. They included 35 homes designed for wheelchair users and 140 homes for older people, including some with dementia.
Joanne Jamieson, regional managing director for Wates Living Space, said: “It’s pleasing to reach the completion of a successful project, but it’s only when taking a step back that the enormity of the benefits brought to the wider community can be applauded.
“We focused on generating employment and training opportunities within Kirklees and the Yorkshire region. As a result, we have created a lasting legacy of economic and social value which otherwise might not have been established in the area.”
In addition to creating jobs, Wates undertook a variety of initiatives including annual community days, which saw the team donate their time and expertise to public projects. These included transforming the garden of Highfields Resource Centre in Huddersfield and installing hoardings designed by pupils from Westmoor Junior School in Dewsbury Moor.
Kirklees Council leader Clr David Sheard said: “The Excellent Homes for Life scheme has been a great success, delivering much-needed quality housing to Kirklees and providing jobs across the area.
“It’s a great example of partnership working - demonstrating the excellent work which can be achieved when public and private sector come together with local communities.”
The homes will be maintained in terms of cleaning, routine maintenance, grounds maintenance and repairs by Pinnacle PSG.
Among other statistics, 1,566 people from across Yorkshire region worked on the projects, including 313 living in the Kirklees areas. Two careers fairs in Kirklees were attended by Wates on behalf of the EHL project while four health and safety talks were carried out in four Kirklees schiools. Two years# sponsorship was given to the annual Golcar Gala.
