Three Rivers Homes embarks on its inaugural development

Much-needed homes are to be built in South Oxhey by Three Rivers Homes - a new joint venture between Three Rivers District Council and Watford Community Housing.

The partnership sees the housing association and the local authority pooling their respective expertise and resources in order to provide housing for the district. With work due to begin on site shortly, Three Rivers Homes has appointed Rickmansworth-based Bugler Developments as the contractor for the project. By investing in and working with other Hertfordshire organisations, this partnership and the resulting development highlights Watford Community Housing’s commitment to the local area.

The new development, occupying the site of the Grapevine public house and its adjoining land, will deliver 33 new apartments – 15 of which will be available for social rent and others for shared ownership. The provision of affordable homes will be a great benefit for current and future residents, as the mix of tenures will provide high-quality, modern homes to a wide range of people. The addition of shared ownership properties will give would-be homeowners the opportunity to get onto the housing ladder.

Watford Community Housing is taking an innovative approach to meeting local housing need, with Three Rivers Homes becoming its second joint venture with a key local authority partner, following the formation of Hart Homes alongside Watford Borough Council. These two joint ventures are allowing the housing association to develop and manage more homes in the Hertfordshire area, as well as providing vital support to tenants.

Gareth Lewis, Group Director of Partnerships for Watford Community Housing, said: “We’re really pleased to be a part of Three Rivers Homes, as working for a brighter future for the local housing infrastructure is key to the success of our organisation. We are committed to forging effective partnerships with local organisations and identifying innovative solutions that allow us to deliver the homes we so desperately need. The redevelopment of the Grapevine pub will provide 33 new homes in South Oxhey and will be a great benefit to the local community.”

Cllr Sara Bedford, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “This scheme will provide much-needed homes, including a number at low-cost rent and shared ownership, for our residents. Three Rivers District Council is delighted to work with Watford Community Housing, and we look forward to continuing this relationship on future sites to provide more homes for local residents across Three Rivers”.