Empty Hemel Hempstead office block turned into 33 homes for affordable rent

Hightown Housing Association has transformed an empty office block in Hemel Hempstead into 33 new affordable homes for rent.Charter Court, located on Midland Road in the centre of Hemel Hempstead, comprises 16 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom apartments, allocated to people in housing need nominated by Dacorum Borough Council.During the opening event, Cllr Ron Tindall, the new leader of Dacorum Borough Council, declared the homes officially open.Also attending the event was new local councillor Sadie Hobson (representing the Hemel Town ward), Hightown’s chief executive and chair of the board; a representative from Homes England; and representatives from Thomas Sinden, the contractor responsible for the redevelopment works.The former two-storey office block was previously occupied by a holiday leisure company.Two new storeys have been added to the structure, along with new brick cladding, and the windows have been repositioned.The development also has an underground car park for residents.The redevelopment has been supported by grant funding from Homes England.David Bogle, chief executive of Hightown Housing Association, said: “We are pleased to have worked with Dacorum Borough Council and Thomas Sinden contractors to give this former office block a new lease of life and provide safe and affordable homes for those priced out of renting at market rates.“I am very grateful to Homes England for their grant funding, which has helped us to deliver more affordable housing at a time when the cost-of-living pressures are acute.”Cllr Ron Tindall, leader of Dacorum Borough Council, added: “It is fantastic to see more social housing built in the heart of Hemel Hempstead.“We always need good quality affordable homes in Dacorum, and I’m sure the new residents will enjoy living in these modern, bright, and well-located apartments.”Hightown plans to build over 1,000 homes over the next two years.Hightown Housing Association is a charitable housing association operating principally in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire.The provider currently manages over 8,300 homes and employs more than 1,000 staff.Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.