Probe invited the Minister for Empty Homes to Hull which resulted in Stephen Williams MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government visiting Hull this week to meet the council’s Empty Homes team and the five other partners involved in bringing more than 570 empty properties back into use.
The whistle-stop tour took place on Wednesday 11 February and Stephen Williams MP visited a number of regeneration projects across the City that have transformed derelict commercial and household properties into new and much-needed quality homes.
Probe partners from Beverley include Simon Delaney and Kevin Marling, Chartered Building Surveyors and Project Managers, from Delaney Marling Partnership and Phil Jenkinson’s team from PJPS Construction who are responsible for the current refurbishment of the Rank House on Holderness Road.
The tour of the city included a number of transformations including the Rank House on Holderness Road. Also a two-bedroom property purchased by Preston Road Women’s Centre in East Hull that will provide safe housing for vulnerable women and children experiencing domestic violence, a walk around Graham Avenue, Airlie Street to view a number of renovated properties that previously had been left empty for many years by private landlords.
Steve Alltoft, general manager from Probe said:
“I am delighted that our invitation sparked so much interest in the other empty homes projects in Hull. Although we work separately from each other, our missions are the same to provide safe living environments in high quality accommodation for people who need it the most in Hull.”
“Stephen Williams MP enjoyed his visit to Hull. The City is responsible for 10 percent of all empty homes coming back into use nationally, so it is an important part of the country for his political position.”
“Overall I feel this visit highlights the hard work and commitment of all the partners and we are proud of what has been achieved so far.”
“Probe’s Empty Homes programme works differently to others in Hull as we also work with Hull College to provide vital skills and training to students and apprentices. The Minister visited our recently completed property on Middleburg Street in East Hull. This property in particular creates a huge sense of pride for Probe, the apprentices and the College alike.”
“We are very grateful for advice from our business partners including Delaney Marling Partnership who not only advise on the feasibility of each property they also project manage our whole programme. Ettridge Architecture is helping us to create beautiful homes that retain original features of which we are all very proud.”
“There are many benefits to tackling empty properties and we remain committed to working with our partners in order to build sustainable and flourishing communities and reduce other associated issues, such anti-social behaviour.”
