Longhurst Group part of new partnership that will deliver thousands of new homes

Alongside three other housing associations, Longhurst Group has formed a ground-breaking joint venture that plans to deliver an additional 2,000 new homes across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough combined authority area.

Branded as ‘Evera Homes’, the new Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) has been created and capitalised by Flagship Group, Hyde Group, Longhurst Group and Cross Keys Homes.

Following calls from Homes England for ‘enterprising delivery partners’, Evera Homes will combine resources, expertise and local knowledge, building homes at a faster pace to tackle the acute shortage of quality, affordable homes of all tenures across the area.

With its four members already delivering homes for a third of all housing association customers in the area, Evera will provide a platform for investment in further partnerships with other organisations in the public and private sector.

Focusing on larger, phased projects to accelerate housing supply with a drive to maximise the delivery of affordable housing, the aim is to deliver start on site at an additional 2,000 new homes by 2023.

Ian Jackson, Executive Director of Portfolio Investment at Longhurst Group, said: “This partnership is fantastic news for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough combined authority area, for local people and the economy as it means that more new homes will be provided and at a faster rate.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling the housing crisis and finding solutions to the chronic shortage of affordable homes in this country. In Cambridgeshire alone, we know that 2,681 too few homes were built between 2012 and 2016, we also know that the average worker in Cambridgeshire needs a 136% pay rise to be able to afford a mortgage. By building more affordable homes, we can help address these issues.

“At Longhurst Group, we have a proven track record of working in partnership with organisations, particularly as part of Pitch - a similar partnership in the East Midlands, so we understand exactly what can be achieved when housing associations and the local authorities work closely together.”

Chair of Evera Homes, Claire Higgins, said; “We know there is strong economic growth in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority area and are committed to helping accelerate housing supply of much needed homes. We will work creatively with the combined authority and others to provide quality homes and support thriving communities, delivering on local aspiration.

“The four associations have significant resources, expertise and most importantly a huge commitment to the area and believe that together we can deliver much more at pace than we could individually.”

The creation of Evera Homes, which will be officially launched on Wednesday 12, September, was supported by Katrina Laud of consultancy KLMC and Trowers & Hamlins Solicitors.

Katrina Laud, Strategic Director, said: “We believe this is the right time to focus on building the future and doing things differently. Working in this way will put us at the forefront to respond to the chronic housing need in the CPCA area.
“We will innovate; embracing a role for SME builders helping to boost skills in the area, explore Modern Methods of Construction and the Community Land Trust model to achieve our ambitious goals.”

For more information visit everahomes.co.uk.