First Wessex, in partnership with the Wayfarer Development Consortium, celebrated the official opening of Jacob House off Fratton Road in Portsmouth, marking the end of a two year, £3.5million development scheme for affordable housing.
A tree planting ceremony with tours of the building and afternoon tea was enjoyed by residents, shareholders, staff and stakeholders. Guest of honour was The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Mrs Paula Riches.
Jacob House shares the development site with two additional housing projects Garbett Court (providing 11 new homes) and Lang Place (providing three new homes). As a Grade II listed building Jacob House has been cleverly and sympathetically converted to provide 18 new one, two and three bedroom affordable flats. Previously home to Portsmouth Housing Association, whose headquarters were based here from 1987 to 2005, many First Wessex staff returned to the building to see the transformation for themselves.
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Mrs Paula Riches, said: “This whole development is a true example of real partnership working together to create better environments for today’s families to enjoy and feel safe. The building of homes, neighbourhoods and communities is what we are all striving for. Affordable housing within Portsmouth has long been a problem but one that First Wessex and Portsmouth City Council will continue to tackle together now and in the future.”
The event also recognised the recent amalgamation of First Wessex. Ben Stoneham, Chair of First Wessex, said: “I want to take this opportunity to highlight First Wessex’s official amalgamation under one brand with its eight subsidiaries, including Portsmouth Housing Association. Known simply as First Wessex we now form one of Hampshire’s largest providers of social housing, managing nearly 18,000 homes across Hampshire and parts of Surrey.”
He continued: “By uniting all parts of the Group we eliminate much red tape and position ourselves to make real savings. These savings will be reinvested to improve local services for residents and the condition of our homes to suit modern lifestyles, whilst strengthening support within local communities and building more new affordable homes now and in the future.”
Funded by the Homes & Communities Agency, designed by architects Harrington Design & Bloomfield, developed by Brymor Contractors Ltd and project managed by Baqus Boxall Sayer, the total development now provides 32 flats for affordable housing.
Jacob House has a fascinating history.
First Wessex has named it after Edgar Jacobs, the man who had the vision to build it and it was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, one of the most prolific and distinguished British architects of the Edwardian period.
Jacob House began its life as an educational institute, The Portsea Parish Institute. James Callaghan, an ex-Prime Minister from 1976 to 1979 even attended school there and the building was once the home of Victory Radio until 1986.
The history of Jacob House has affected how it has been converted to housing and adds to the charm and creation of some unique flats with fantastic features such as mezzanine floors, high bay windows, vaulted ceilings and the copper roofed Cupola – all the original features have been protected.
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For further information please contact:
www.firstwessex.org
For media enquiries please contact:
Charlotte Lockwood, Senior Account Manager
Tel: 023 9244 9655
Email: charlotte.lockwood@harvestpr.co.uk
Notes to Editors
First Wessex manages around 18,000 affordable homes primarily in Hampshire and with some activity in Surrey. It has offices in Eastleigh and Aldershot and its head office in Portsmouth.
First Wessex provides a full range of affordable housing including rented, supported, shared ownership and key worker housing. A large support portfolio includes housing for older people, extra-care housing, dementia care housing, housing for people with learning disabilities, people recovering from mental illness and some specialist accommodation. First Wessex also has its own repairs and maintenance division and provides a wide range of community regeneration services across Hampshire.
www.firstwessex.org
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