I was really honoured to be invited to the official opening of the Battersbys Hat Works estate today (not that it is finished yet). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along with Navendu Mishra we had a tour of the new homes within the factory building, it was amazing to see the history that has been retained and it was really interesting to meet with a member of the Battersby family to talk about the past and the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This estate shows what can be done when community and need is placed before profit, it is a result of the legacy of the late Councillor Sheila Bailey who was instrumental in the forming of Viaduct Housing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the announcement of funding for affordable housing I will be pushing for more of this kind of development not just apartments in the town centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes there are things that need finishing and I took every opportunity to raise this during the event whilst also celebrating the positive step of 144 new homes, proper homes. We just need to make them affordable next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we move forward we will keep in touch with residents to ensure everything is finished as planned and I have had commitments from the project team that this will be done as quickly as possible and to the highest standards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"