Calico’s first new development in Burnley, Primrose Mill, has been officially opened at a special ceremony attended by residents, staff and partners.
The Primrose Mill development, in Briercliffe, consists of a range of high-quality housing, including 48 two and three bedroom houses and bungalows, and 12 apartments.
The scheme has provided 30 houses for affordable rent and 14 for sale, as well as 16 affordable rent homes for over-55s.
The residents already living on the estate consist of a range of older people, children, young adults, owner occupiers and rentals, all living together to create a unique and diverse community.
42 local children are now living in better accommodation with an improved quality of life – three babies have even been born on the development.
Commenced by Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction in January 2014, work on the Primrose Mill development took 24 months to complete.
The development provided essential employment opportunities to 15 apprentices from the local area, two of whom have since received full-time contracts after successfully completing their apprenticeships.
Speaking about the development, Helen Thompson, Calico’s Director of Customer Services, said:
“We’re really proud of Primrose Mill as it represents what Calico is all about, which is improving people’s lives.
“A large part of that is building communities and sustainable places and, here at Primrose Mill, we have a very diverse range of residents, all living in one area.
“The work Ring Stones has done here at Primrose Mill is of the highest standard, and the development serves as a fantastic showcase for the excellent work they do.”
The development was officially opened by Calico resident and dedicated volunteer Winn McGeorge MBE, who joined Helen Thompson and Chris Henshall, Lancashire and Cumbria Area Manager for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.
Calico also honoured Winn’s decades of community work by naming the apartment block on Primrose Mill – McGeorge House – after her and her late husband, Ken.
Helen said:
“Winn has been a part of Calico for such a long time, and is a huge inspiration to us all. It’s only right that we honour her for the integral role she has played both in Calico as a company, and in the wider community.
“When we came to think of a name for the apartment building, there was no question about who it should be named after.”
Properties for sale are available through Reeds Rains – for more information, visit www.reedsrains.co.uk
For more information about the Primrose Mill development, visit www.calico.org.uk or call 01282 686300.