Curo News

Curo breaks ground at Locking Parklands Phase 4

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:10:32 Z

Curo has begun works at a new 124-home development in Locking, Weston-super-Mare.

A special ceremony was held to mark the beginning of works on site. Attended by Councillor Sonia Russé, Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, alongside Curo CEO Victor da Cunha and a number of other Curo colleagues, the ceremony offered an opportunity to tour the site, and the group jointly participated in ‘breaking ground’ to signify the project's commencement.

Together, the group spoke about the next steps for the site, as well as the benefits the development would bring to the local Weston-super-Mare community. Victor da Cunha, also explained how, in the absence of any shareholders, Curo re-invests the profits from its sales into building more affordable homes.

Phase 4 at Locking Parklands forms a key part of the regeneration of Locking’s former RAF base – which will eventually become a new 1,450-home neighbourhood.

Upon completion, the brownfield scheme will deliver a diverse selection of housing types across 124-homes. The majority of these homes will be allocated for private sale, however, a significant number of the homes will also be designated as affordable housing, available for social rent or Shared Ownership, offering an accessible route onto the property ladder.

Originally, planning requirements mandated that only 15% of the homes at Locking Parklands Phase 4 be designated as affordable housing. However, Curo has gone above and beyond this threshold, and is working with Homes England to increase the percentage of affordable provision on site.

Future residents, and the wider Locking community, will also benefit from the opening of a series of a new amenities - including a brand new community centre, a doctor's surgery, a variety of shops, as well as a recently opened primary school, and a secondary school, being developed by a third party.

Victor da Cunha, CEO says, “At Curo, we believe that everyone should have access to quality, affordable housing, so we are thrilled to have broken ground at Locking Parklands, where we are not only building homes for sale and rent but also providing much needed affordable housing."

"With dedication and Homes England's support, we are delighted to have increased the percentage of affordable homes on the site from the original planning requirement, demonstrating our shared commitment to creating thriving, sustainable communities for all. We take great pride in being able to contribute to the Weston-super-Mare community for the long term benefit of both our future residents and local people."

Tintagel Close to be redeveloped by Curo

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:07:49 Z

Housing association Curo has announced its intention to demolish and redevelop a block of 44 maisonettes at Tintagel Close in Keynsham, following a prolonged period of consultation with residents of the estate.

Curo has been working with residents at Tintagel Close since 2018 to understand the work that would be needed to upgrade the buildings and provide homes that are suitable for the future.

Initially it was believed that homes at Tintagel Close could be refurbished while the residents remained in their homes. However, following more detailed surveys as well as new government legislation on fire and building safety and energy efficiency, Curo decided to re-evaluate the project. It was decided that the demolition and redevelopment of Tintagel Close would be the best long-term solution.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “The decision to proceed with the redevelopment of Tintagel Close was taken after careful consideration of all the options and following extensive consultation with residents who live there. It was always going to be impractical and extremely difficult to achieve the future standards of housing we, as a society, aspire towards – particularly from an environmental point of view – while the residents remained in their homes, and given the construction of the existing building. Our ambition now is to continue to engage with local residents to design homes that are fit for the future - homes that will be high quality in the broadest sense and that will fit in with their surroundings”.

Curo has been supporting residents at Tintagel Close over the past few months to find new homes in the local area and so far, 22 families have moved to a new property they have chosen.

Victor says: “We’ve put in place a complete support package for residents at Tintagel Close, including a dedicated liaison officer, funds to cover their moving costs and a one-off home loss payment. We will continue to work with families at Tintagel Close to help them find a new home they like, as we start to look to the future of the estate.”

Curo is now asking the local community to help shape plans for a future development. To take part, residents are invited to fill in this short survey by Sunday 5 June.

The feedback will help Curo design proposals for the site over the next few months. A second public consultation, in winter this year, will give local residents the opportunity to view and comment on the specifics of the project, including the number and appearance of homes and other details such as parking arrangements. Curo will use this further feedback to refine any proposals with a view to submit a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council early next year.

Residents living near the site and the wider community will be kept informed about the next steps at Tintagel Close including through updates via Curo’s website at www.curo-group.co.uk/tintagelclose-redevelopment.

Victor adds: “Our aim is to provide new affordable homes that meet local needs and integrate well within the existing neighbourhood. We’d really like to hear from residents at Tintagel Close and the local community in Keynsham about the future of this estate so we can understand what is important to them and use this knowledge in the design process.”

Bristol school opens sensory garden with help from local housebuilders

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 09:26:36 Z

Image above: Curo Sales Advisor, Ruby Webber and Jehu Project Manager, Tomasz Magiera helping Year 1 and Year 2 pupils to plant their new sensory garden at Oasis Academy Bank Leaze.

A school in Lawrence Weston, Bristol has opened a new sensory garden to help promote the pupils’ wellbeing and mental health.

Oasis Academy Bank Leaze, also known locally as ‘the blue school on the hill’, was helped to set up the garden by housing association and housebuilder Curo and their contractor Jehu Group.

Curo is working with Jehu to deliver 57 new affordable homes for social and affordable rent and shared ownership at The Willows, a residential development near the school.

The materials and labour for the planters as well as all the plants were donated by Curo and Jehu as part of their joint commitment to support communities and make a positive contribution to the neighbourhoods they work in.

Students from Year 1 and Year 2 were helped by Curo and Jehu colleagues to plant the garden with low ferns, rose bushes, ornamental grasses, coloured heathers and some herbs.

L-R: Paula Beel, Curo Sales Manager, Ruby Webber, Curo Sales Advisor, Tomasz Magiera, Jehu Project Manager and Georgina Fitz-Gerald, Oasis Academy teacher with Year 1 and Year 2 pupils.

Curo Sales Manager, Paula Beel, says: “Supporting local communities where we build much-needed new homes is part of Curo’s purpose – Homes for Good.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve all rediscovered how powerful nature can be in helping us to maintain and improve our well-being and mental health. We’re really pleased that, alongside our contractor Jehu, we were able to help the school create this lovely garden for their children to enjoy every day.”

Jehu Project Manager, Tomasz Magiera, says: “We’re proud to work with Curo at The Willows, delivering much-needed new affordable homes in Lawrence Weston, and supporting community initiatives that benefit local residents. It’s great to see how much the children are already enjoying the new garden and we’re proud we could come together and use our strength as a force for good in society.”

Oasis Academy Bank Leaze teacher, Georgina Fitz-Gerald, says: “The children loved planting and tending to the garden. They’re really excited about watering the plants to help them grow and look forward to seeing how they will change over the seasons.

“At our school, we try to use the outdoors as much as possible to teach our children about nature and the environment, and to promote their mental health. We’re over the moon with our new garden and I’m certain it will be enjoyed by the kids for many years to come.”

The Willows is a 100% affordable housing development, including 19 homes for sale through the part-rent/part-buy scheme, shared ownership. The development will be completed by the end of 2022.

For more information about The Willows click here. For shared ownership, visit our sales website.

Radstock residents get first look at redevelopment proposals for Walnut Buildings

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:47:32 Z

Around 70 people attended Curo’s public exhibition last week to see the proposals for the redevelopment of the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of survey respondents stating they support the redevelopment proposals as showcased, while the remainder were unsure.

Among the visitors’ favourite features were the layout of the scheme and home zone concept for the main road. There was also strong support for the design of the new homes, which were seen to complement the existing buildings and neighbourhood character.

Local residents also liked that the 32 homes proposed will be affordable, available through a mix of social rent and low-cost home ownership.

Many respondents commented positively about the sustainability features of the proposed homes, which will aim to achieve a minimum of 19% reduction in CO2 emissions using energy-efficient building materials, PV solar panels and air source heat pumps. Wildlife-enhancing features such as hedgehog highways and bird/bat/bee boxes were also popular.

Most visitors agreed that the proposals will lead to an improvement in the appearance of the area.

One visitor said: “The houses look as though they will be attractive; it will be a good mix of properties” while another commented: “It is a shame that the commercial builders do not adopt some of these practices.”

Ward councillors Bruce Shearn and Chris Dando were also present at the event.

Cllr Shearn says: “This is a great opportunity for Curo and our town to regenerate the area in keeping with the wider neighbourhood while providing modern and energy-efficient affordable homes.

“I know that there will be more tweaks and changes to the scheme, not least because of feedback received from residents during this public consultation, but I think Curo’s plans look great and could really transform this part of town for the better. I look forward to seeing the homes built and welcoming their new residents over the next couple of years.”

Cllr Dando says: “It was great to meet with local residents at the public exhibition last week and hear what they had to say about the proposed redevelopment. Curo’s designs show a well-thought-out scheme that could really benefit both existing residents and those families who may live in these new homes in the future.”

North East Somerset MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, commented: "Curo has clearly listened to residents and is offering attractive, traditional housing that is affordable and in keeping with Radstock’s history."

Local residents can still view and comment on the proposals here by Friday 24 September. Curo will take this feedback into consideration when refining the plans, before submitting a planning application to B&NES Council in late autumn.

Curo to consult on plans for 32 new affordable homes at Walnut Buildings site

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:31:07 Z

Curo is proposing to build 32 new affordable homes on the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings in Radstock.

A public exhibition of the redevelopment plans will take place on Thursday 9 September at Whisty Community Hall (BA3 3JL) and local residents are encouraged to drop in any time between 2-7pm.

The proposed homes are a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and 2- and 3-bedroom houses. Just over half of the new homes will be let at social rent to people on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing list (17) while the remainder (15) will be sold to first time buyers through the Shared Ownership scheme.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re looking forward to sharing our redevelopment plans for Walnut Buildings with the community in Radstock this month. I want to thank all residents who got involved in our first consultation earlier this year – your feedback was invaluable in developing these proposals and we hope you’ll come along to the exhibition to let us know what you think.

“The new scheme has been designed to complement existing homes and buildings and to improve the appearance and safety of the area, which were the community’s main priorities. The development could give more local people and families the opportunity to live in modern, warm and energy-efficient affordable homes.”

The proposals include electric vehicle (EV) charging points and a ‘home zone’ as the main road through the new development. A home zone is a space shared between vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and children, with consideration given to the wider needs of the residents.

The development will aim to achieve a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to building regulations requirements, by using energy efficient building materials and renewable/low carbon technologies. This could mean the future homes at Walnut Buildings may feature air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers, while some may also have photovoltaic solar panels.

Curo are looking to submit a planning application to B&NES Council in winter 2021. Subject to securing planning permission, Curo could start works on site at Walnut Buildings by spring 2023 and complete the development by summer 2024.

Curo launches community consultation over the future of Walnut Buildings site

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:48:01 Z

Housing association and housebuilder Curo hope to build new, high-quality housing on the Walnut Buildings site in Radstock and are asking the local community to help shape plans for a future development.

To take part, local residents are invited to fill in this short survey: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/walnut-buildings.

The feedback will help Curo design initial proposals for the site over the next few months. A second public consultation will give local residents the opportunity to view and comment on the specifics of the project, including site layout, number and tenure of homes and other details such as parking arrangements.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We really want to hear from local people about the future of this site and understand what’s important to them to help inform our early thinking.

“We know that news about the redevelopment of Walnut Buildings has been well received by the community and we’re looking forward to working alongside local residents to explore what’s possible.

“This is an exciting opportunity to create some good quality, modern homes which meet local needs and integrate well within the existing neighbourhood and it’s important to hear from the community during our planning phase.”

To make way for the new homes, Walnut Buildings are to be taken down from mid-April. The demolition works are expected to last four weeks.

Over the past few months Curo have been working with contractor L.A. More to prepare the site. The works so far have included removal of heating systems, bathrooms and kitchens and disconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies.

The buildings will be taken down one by one in a controlled and considerate manner, with each block being demolished fully before moving on to the next. Specialist plant will be used to carefully remove roofs and walls and dig up the foundations.

The Hub nominated for prestigious Bath Life award

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:15:58 Z

The Hub, Curo’s £10m community building at its Mulberry Park development in Bath, has been nominated for a prestigious Civic Award in Bath Life’s 2020 awards.

The Bath Life Awards celebrate the best of Bath. Their Civic Award highlights the contribution of an organisation or company which has improved Bath or committed to help develop others.

Launched in December 2018, The Hub has already been hailed as a trailblazer for future community buildings. As a Community Benefit Society, The Hub is run in partnership with residents and has been shaped by the community’s original vision of “a warm and beautiful place that the community can feel proud of.”

The Hub’s versatile and ultra-modern facilities are used by independent businesses, charities and health providers to host activities for all ages and interests. There are currently 23 classes every week from musical activities for young children, keep fit for parents and babies to over 50s art classes, gentle exercise for older people and everything in between!

Supporting the community

The small team at The Hub are dedicated to the local community and organise free activities during half-term holidays to support low-income families. As well as free activity days that bring the community together, The Hub also offer regular free taster sessions for residents to try out courses and activities.

The café at The Hub is passionate about providing value for money. It’s also become the main place for families to meet after the school drop-off and pick-up and is used by a variety of local businesses and organisations for work and meetings.

The Hub is also a drop-off and redistribution point for The Hygiene Bank, who collect and redistribute donated toiletries, hygiene, beauty and personal care items. The team are currently working with Bath Food Bank and the Genesis Trust to become a foodbank centre. From the end of January, The Hub will offer a unique Saturday service and will be Bath’s first weekend foodbank centre.

The Hub employs a number of local people, 53 per cent of the team live locally. An apprentice is due to start working in their café which also hosts a local man, with learning difficulties, who volunteers twice a week.

Lizzie Irvine, Hub Centre Manager, said “We’re very pleased that The Hub is up for the Civic Award in the Bath Life awards. The Hub is a true community asset - within a year, we’ve become a beacon for the Mulberry Park, Foxhill and Combe Down communities. It’s really great for our small team to be recognised for their dedication and support to the community.”

The winners of the Bath Life will be announced on 27 February.

What people say about The Hub

Cherie, Foxhill resident and café assistant

Noeline, class leader

Jane, chair of The Hub’s user group

Polly, Bath Dance

Find out more

Curo welcomes residents to new affordable homes in Midsomer Norton just in time for Christmas

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:40:12 Z

16 families in Midsomer Norton will celebrate Christmas in brand new homes this year, thanks to the completion of a 100% affordable housing development by housing association and housebuilder Curo and contractor E G Carter & Co Ltd.

Pictured above (R-L): Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, Town Mayor Michael Evans, ward councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers, and Curo Deputy Managing Director, Sarah Maylor, with the new residents at St Chad's Green, Midsomer Norton

Curo has last week welcomed residents at its regeneration scheme of 16 new affordable homes at St Chad’s Green in Midsomer Norton. The occasion was marked with a Christmas lights switch-on ceremony attended by the new residents, Town Mayor Michael Evans and ward councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers.

Construction of the 15 homes with two, three and four bedrooms and a one-bed flat started in February this year; all homes are now occupied, with 12 being let on affordable rent and 4 sold through the low cost homeownership scheme, Shared Ownership.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “It’s fantastic to see the new residents move to high quality, safe and secure homes in time for Christmas and we wish them a very warm welcome.

“This scheme is a great example of how housing associations can address the changing housing needs of an area by working in partnership with local authorities and central government.”

The new homes were created in partnership with Homes England and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) who provided grant funding of £480,000 and £200,000 respectively, topping up Curo’s investment of almost £2 million.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, welcomed the new development saying “I am delighted that the Council was able to help Curo deliver these much needed homes in Midsomer Norton through the use of our Affordable Housing capital funding. The delivery of affordable homes is a key priority for the Council and we are particularly pleased when a housing association like Curo can bring forward developments that are 100% affordable housing”.

Ward Councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paul Myers, has been involved in the development since its inception and says: "It’s great to meet the new residents and see how providing good quality affordable homes in the right locations can positively impact the community and people’s lives. The families I’ve met today will benefit from these modern new homes well into the future.”

Amongst the new residents are Laura Prior, her partner Sam and five children. They’ve been living in temporary accommodation for 18 months before moving to a four-bedroom detached home at St Chad’s Green.

Laura says: “We were living in a two-bed flat with five children - it was very hard work. Our new home is absolutely lovely and it feels like a mansion in comparison. We’re all looking forward to enjoying our garden - the kids are overwhelmed with the space they have to play in.”

Pictured above: Father Christmas handing presents to some of Curo's youngest new residents at St Chad's Green, Misdomer Norton

Elizabeth is a teacher. She lived in Midsomer Norton all her life and her son goes to a local school; they moved to a new two-bed home at St Chad’s Green.

Elizabeth says: “My little boy and I feel really blessed and lucky to move in a house like this. We’ve always lived in this area, we love it here and it’s amazing that we now have a place where we can stay for the long term and put down roots, the secure tenancy means a lot to us.”

Daniel Young is one of the new shared owners at St Chad’s Green. He’s 32 years old and works as a machine operator for a local company producing medical packages. Daniel has been living with his parents just up the road from the new development, saving up for a deposit to buy a place of his own. He says: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Curo have built these homes here. It enabled me to stay close to my parents if they need me, but also to invest in my own future, get on the property ladder and have my independence.

“I think young people today have to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to buy a home, especially if they choose to do so on their own - Shared Ownership is a great way of taking that first step on the housing ladder. I look forward to inviting my friends around for the local cricket club’s New Year’s Eve firework display – I now have the best view in town from my back garden.”

Sarah is also local to Midsomer Norton and purchased a new 2-bed home at St Chad’s Green with Shared Ownership. She says: “I moved back home eight years ago to save up after renting privately for quite a long time. To finally be in a home of my own feels pretty amazing and I’m absolutely elated with it – best Christmas present anyone could wish for.”

Alongside new homes, the regeneration project also enabled Curo to deliver enhancements for two existing bungalows at St Chad's Green, with the provision of dedicated parking and solar panels, benefiting existing customers.

Pictured above: Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha (left) with some of the new residents at St Chad's Green, Midsomer Norton

Free exercise classes for older people at The Hub

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:40:58 Z

The Hub is currently hosting Extend Exercise, an gentle upbeat class designed for older people or those with restricted mobility.

The free classes are funded by Curo through our Community Chest Grant scheme. The Community Chest provides grants to support initiatives that make a positive contribution to Curo neighbourhoods.

The classes are every Monday and run by Ketyn Jepson who explains “There's recently been a surge of interest in exercise sessions for over 60s. I’m very passionate about helping individuals to stay as fit, active and healthy as they can be for as long as possible.”

“The classes are for men and women over 60 or those with restricted mobility. You will spend an enjoyable hour with like-minded people and have fun exercising every part of your body from your fingers to your toes. We play familiar music from the 60s and 70s right up to modern day which will have you moving in no time!”

“We start with standing exercises and movement to music. At least 20 minutes of the class will be seated but you can use a chair for support for the whole class. We focus on balance and use resistance bands, light hand weights, squishy balls and scarves for strengthening exercises.”

What people say about the classes

“The session gives me a good stretch and wakes my whole body. It is really good for someone my age who has reasonable ability but needs pushing a bit. The exercises for balance are really important and helpful.” Marion, Bath

“It keeps me in touch with life in general. In other words – physically, mentally and emotionally fit.” Ann, Bath

“The exercises are well designed and thorough, although not vigorous. The teaching is gentle and careful. If I am not smiling it is because I am laughing.” Bill, Chew Magna

Book your place

To book your place visit the Hub, call 01225 436869 or email extendyourhealth@yahoo.com.

Foxhill refurbishment events

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:32:40 Z

We’ve got four events in January for Foxhill residents where you can find out about our plans to improve your home.

Over the summer and autumn we asked you how your homes, communal areas and surrounding grounds could be improved. We’ve listened and have developed refurbishment options based on your priorities and our SHAW (Safe, Healthy, Affordable, Warm) standards.

We’ll be presenting our refurbishment ideas to you at three drop-in events. Come to the event for your street to find out our plans to improve your home.

Monday 14 January: St Andrews Church, 3pm to 7pm
For residents of Bradford Park, Bradford Road, Down Avenue, Foxhill House, Hawthorn Grove, Quantocks and 102-124 Queens Drive

Tuesday 22 January: The Hub, 3pm to 7pm
For residents of Kewstoke Road, Sedgemoor Road and 1-100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109 & 111 Queens Drive

Thursday 24 January: Foxhill Point, Dunster House, 3pm to 7pm
For residents of Dunster House and Selworthy House

Tuesday 29 January: Mulberry Park Visitors Centre, 3pm to 7pm
We’re going to submit a planning application for improvements to Bradford Park flats.

We’re improving the roof, windows, ventilation and walls to make the flats warm and dry. We’re also improving the communal areas and parking. Find out more about our final plans for Bradford Park at this drop-in event.

Free refreshments are provided at all of our drop-in events.

The Hub is now open!

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 15:21:21 Z

Our brand new £10m community building in Combe Down opened on Saturday 8 December with a day of free activities that included an all-ages Bath Rugby coaching session.

The Hub is at the heart of the Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down community and was delivered by us as part of our 700 homes development at Mulberry Park. Our mission is to provide great homes, support communities and improve lives and The Hub is part of our ongoing investment in the local area.

Manager of The Hub, Lizzie Irvine said: “We’re really pleased so many people joined us to celebrate the opening of The Hub. We had more than 875 people through our doors on the day!”

Lizzie added: “The Hub is a new community space where people come together to have fun and try new things – and our open day reflected that. We had lots of activities, from interactive theatre to dance and storytelling. Bath Rugby held an all-ages coaching session and we also showcased some amazing art projects created by Made In Foxhill and local residents.”

BA1 Radio, a local volunteer-led radio station, were at The Hub all day and gave people the opportunity to try their hand at being a radio presenter.

Councillor Paul Myers, Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, was given a tour of The Hub and said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents using the building and taking part in all the different activities. The Hub, with its state of the art facilities, is going to be a real asset for the Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down communities.”

Jane Hill, local resident and chairperson of the Hub user group, said: “It was a wonderful event that brought the community together, everyone had a happy and relaxing time. For many it was their first visit to The Hub and all who took part were so very impressed by the building, its design and the facilities it has to offer.”

The café at The Hub is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9am until 4pm. In the new year the café will be open every day and from 8am on week days. To find out what’s on at The Hub or to book a room please call 01225 436869.

The Hub open fun day: Saturday 8 December

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 13:18:50 Z

Our brand new £10m community building in Mulberry Park opens on Saturday. The day is packed full of free exciting activities for all ages, so come along and join the fun.

The Hub is at the heart of the Foxhill, Mulberry Park and Combe Down communities and was delivered as part of our 700 homes development at Mulberry Park.

Our open day runs from 10am until 4pm and reflects our ethos of The Hub as a new community space where people come together to have fun and try new things. We’re also showcasing the amazing art projects that Made In Foxhill and the local community have produced over the last year.

At midday Bath Rugby are giving an all-ages coaching session. We’ll also have interactive theatre, dance and animation workshops, a bouncy castle and face painting. The Bath Rugby all-ages coaching session starts at midday.

There’s also a very special walking performance that promises to reveal the strange secrets and hidden histories of Foxhill and Mulberry Park.

We’ll be rounding off the day at 3.30pm with a Christmas carol sing-along, complete with hot chocolate and mince pies!

Find out more about the day's Made In Foxhill activities.