Housing association becomes member of JV North

Bidding for funding opened in February, with Homes England expected to announce its new strategic partners under the programme in late summer. 

Helen Smith, executive director of property at WHA, said joining JV North would help it deliver affordable homes for local communities.

She said: “By working in partnership with other like-minded housing associations we can access greater collective expertise, resources and development opportunities than we could alone.

“This collaboration supports Warrington Housing Association’s long-term commitment to tackling the housing shortage, accelerating the delivery of new homes and ensures that developments are sustainable, well designed and meet the evolving needs of residents.

“While we are a relatively small provider, we are developing at a strong and ambitious rate proportionate to our size, and joining JV North enables the organisation to maximise its impact.”

Sean Stafford of Saffer Cooper Consultancy, which oversees JV North’s development programme, said: “Warrington Housing Association has identified the array of benefits that come from being part of the consortium and we are really looking forward to working with their development team in the years ahead.

“The new SAHP is now upon us and it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all housebuilding landlords to really make a difference, so we are really pleased to welcome them into the fold.

“We operate as a collective to share intelligence, best practice and mitigate risk with the ultimate aim of being able to build more affordable homes so people across the North West benefit.”

WHA is the 16th member of JV North and follows First Choice Homes Oldham, which joined at the end of last year.