17 May 2010

Survey shows Housing Market Renewal residents positive about change

A new survey has revealed that nine out of ten residents in the Merseyside housing market renewal area are happy with their new homes.
The survey also found that the overwhelming majority were positive about their new neighbourhoods, pleased with the condition of their new home, and felt they had moved to a property that was more modern, comfortable and better suited to their needs.
These encouraging results were found when residents took part in an independent Relocation Survey commissioned by Merseyside pathfinder NewHeartlands, and carried out in late 2009 by Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit.

They include:

• 90% satisfaction rate with new homes following a move
  
• 89% were positive about the condition of their new home, the majority rating it better than their old one
  
• 92% felt positive about their new neighbourhoods
  
• Only 5% anticipated moving home again in the foreseeable future
  
• A greater choice of property type and tenure than the previous homes
  

Brendan Nevin, managing director of NewHeartlands, said: "These results are very encouraging indeed - they show that the people who really matter are happy with the work we are doing, and the positive changes in their homes and their lives.
"A lot of their satisfaction may be down to good communication - supporting them through the process, offering the opportunity to change the type of property they live in, and attempting to keep groups of friends, family and neighbours together. However, we are not complacent, and will keep working with residents to improve these results even further in the future."
NewHeartlands is working to create vibrant neighbourhoods within the Merseyside area, through am ambitious programme of refurbishment, new build and clearance, combined with a range of social and creative activities to further involve and empower local people.
It was recently rated as 'performing strongly' following an Audit Commission inspection, the highest rating that the Government watchdog can give.
Notes to Editors

• NewHeartlands is one of ten HMR pathfinders in the country. It is tasked with regenerating the inner Merseyside area by tackling low-demand and poor-quality housing markets, usually in some of the UK's most deprived areas. We work closely with Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral Councils and other partners including the Home and Communities Agency, private developers, RSLs and residents.
  

• The programme started in 2003 and is expected to run for 10-15 years. The homebuilding plans are only one aspect of the programme which also includes job creation, social regeneration and community building, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and boosting prosperity.
  

For more information contact: Debbie Johnson

NewHeartlands
Tel: 07894 398800
debbiemjohnson@hotmail.com