Weston Heights was cited as an example of best practice during a debate in Parliament on housing investment in Stoke-on-Trent.
Joan Walley, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, kicked off the debate by stressing that housing investment is fundamental to the entire regeneration of the city and is also integral to wider government efforts to stimulate growth in West Midlands.
In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Iain Wright said: “I have been to Stoke-on-Trent several times to examine for myself the issues of housing and regeneration in the area. I greatly enjoyed my time at Weston Heights in the Coalville area, having been invited there by another tenacious champion for housing in Stoke (Rob Flello, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South).
“Weston Heights is a landmark regeneration scheme in the city, demonstrating great partnership working, led by RENEW, North Staffordshire, which has produced something like £55 million worth of investment, providing 300 modern, good-quality houses for the people of Coalville and beyond. This development very vividly shows what can be achieved in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Weston Heights is a five-year regeneration programme being carried out by The Compendium Group – a joint venture between Riverside and Lovell. In addition to new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale for existing and new residents, the development will also feature new public open space including a play area and sports field, and a new community centre. The programme is in its second phase and the entire scheme is expected to be complete in 2012.