Some of examples of where we have successfully transformed communities with substantial consultation and development include a project to regenerate ourlargest estate, Wade Hall in Leyland.
Completed after a £7m package of improvements to the original prefabricated houses, residents were consulted on the works including new walls and roofing, double-glazing, central heating, new bathrooms, kitchens and interior decoration. Gardens were cleared, turfed and refenced and extra parking was provided.
In 2005, we supported a major rebuild at the heart of the Wade Hall estate, which included a children's centre, community centre and new shops. The children's centre offers residents a day nursery and IT training facilities, as well as advice on health, education, training and child care. The community centre has become a thriving hub of events and activities for local people including drama groups, fitness classes and awareness events.
Investing in rural communities is also a high priority and we have undertaken a number of regeneration projects. In Burneside, near Kendal, we renovated a number of former mill properties in partnership with South Lakeland District Council. Renovations included improving energy efficiency including solar panels, new roofs, windows and doors for a number of properties.
As with our work in urban areas, we have focused our attention not just on bricks and mortar, but also on the wider needs of the community. We established a highly successful tenants' group in Burneside and residents have been involved in the planning and renovation of their homes.
We are also supporting a number of community initiatives. For example, amongst many other community projects, we have sponsored youth football teams, a youth boxing club, a wildlife initiative, and donated land to create greener spaces in our communities.
