Hundreds of new homes on the way

Ipswich Star: Stoke Quay, Ipswich homes by Genesis Housing 20/06/2014 16:06Stoke Quay, Ipswich homes by Genesis Housing 20/06/2014 16:06 (Image: Copyright: Keith Mindham Photography 2014. This image is 'Licenced for Use' to: Aylesworth Fleming nominated client press & mark)

The multi-million pound Stoke Quay housing scheme, being built by Genesis Housing Association, is reaching its final stages.

Stoke Quay overlooks the New Cut of the River Orwell, on the south side of Ipswich Waterfront.

Two four bedroom houses are currently for sale with a range of apartments being launched, for sale, from September,

Rental homes, available at market rent, will not be released until the new year, however.

Tony Harker, head of commercial at Genesis, said: “This is the first big project from Genesis in Ipswich.

“We are helping to build for a better future. We see in Ipswich an opportunity to help people, in Ipswich and the vicinity, to get on to the property ladder.

“We have seen this week that one in four workers, aged 24 to 34, can’t get on the property ladder. It is the same outside of London.

“That is where Genesis comes into play.

“We are in it for the long haul.

“That is what we are about. We are not just going to build properties that people don’t want - we are trying to create a whole community in everything we do.”

Already 29 local people had registered their interested in buying homes in the first phase of 52 apartments being released, he said.

“We are delighted to be able to bring affordable family living to Ipswich,” said Tony added.

“As well as creating contemporary and practical homes to suit family life, upon completion there will also be trees and landscaped green areas to encourage a real sense of community where local children can play together.”

The first two houses in the scheme are now for sale, two four-bedroom homes with a £190,000 price tag.

Under shared ownership prices can start from £47,500 under the shared ownership scheme - representing 25% of the full asking price.

Genesis Housing Assocation works right across the country, with many projects in London and the south east.

Tony Harker said: “Regeneration is an important part of what we do.

“We work with 86 different local authorities across the country from Lincoln right down to the south.

“This scheme is important for people who live and work in Ipswich; for local people who want to rent or buy.”

The scheme includes houses and flats for sale, under shared ownership, for people who live or work in Ipswich with a household income of less than £60,000 a year. There will be homes available at market rent,as well extra care homes, and general needs rental.

“We are getting lots of local interest at the moment and I hope we will see a lot more over the coming months, as our newspaper advertising gets under way.

“It is one of the benefits of affordable homes - it is enabling local people to their foot foot on the ladder to be able to rent a property and start their journey.”

At Stoke Quay, he said, there would also be nine commercial units which they hoped could help local people, even residents. wanting to start their own

Tony said he had been really impressed by the Waterfront area, and Ipswich in general.

“It reminds me of Hull and York. It is an absolutely beautiful town, I love the old buildngs, like York and the Waterfront reminds me of Hull.”