underused community hubs to become much needed homes

Four underused community buildings will be converted into much-needed homes by housing association believe housing. 

All four hubs, in County Durham, have been managed as community venues available for hire by local organisations. But they have received little to no use since 2018. 

In response to that lack of use, couple with high demand for affordable housing, believe housing has decided to convert them into much needed residential properties. 

Stanley Way Community Hub in Billy Row, Charlton House Community Hub in Wingate, and Attlee Square Community Hub in Sherburn, are set to become energy-efficient accessible bungalows. 

While Fairclough Court Community Hub, in Peterlee, will be turned into a modern, energy-efficient house which could suit a family. 

There are currently more than 12,000 people registered with the Durham Key Options lettings scheme to rent a social home in County Durham. 

And with more than 1,200 people waiting specifically for an accessible home with believe housing, to meet their health requirements, the move will help address housing needs in each area. 

The decision follows a review of customer hubs by believe housing and its Customer Voices group – a panel which includes tenants and customers. 

They looked at how often the venues were used by the community, along with the running costs, condition, and future maintenance and updates each building would require. 

To address the lack of usage, believe housing promoted each venue for hire but saw no increase in their use or income. In coming to the decision to convert them, it also considered what other community facilities serve the four areas and gathered feedback from customers living near the hubs, most of whom were in favour of the plans. 

Nik Turner, Executive Director of Communities and Customer Service, said: “These four homes will play a part in helping us to address local housing needs by providing the affordable, accessible homes people are waiting for.  

“Whilst we recognise that community venues have a valuable role to play, the likelihood of these facilities being used by the community in the future is extremely limited.  

“We have had very little interest in them, their layouts limit the activities they can host, and with other community facilities available nearby we think they will serve customers much better as homes. 

“After making local people aware of our decision we are now making plans to convert them into modern, energy-efficient homes.” 

Customer Voices chair, Jack McGurk, said: “Customer Voices scrutinised all aspects of these hubs from a community, practical and financial perspective.  

“Our recommendations were accepted by the Board, and I am pleased that the outcome will be much needed accessible homes.”