On Wednesday 3 September, Bushey residents enjoyed a celebratory event at The Community Centre on Girtin Road. The event, organised by Genesis Housing Group and sponsored by Crestel Partnerships, marked the start of work on Phase 1 of a three-year regeneration programme for Bushey.

The 1950s Ministry of Defence homes in Munro Road were demolished in July after years of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Genesis' planning application for demolition and regeneration was approved by Hertsmere Borough Council in January, after numerous meetings with councillors, its PCHA residents and officers.

The scheme will deliver a new mixed-tenure neighbourhood of 190 houses and flats following extensive consultation with residents, the wider community and local stakeholders.
All affordable homes on the development will be built to the latest energy efficient standards and incorporate sustainable technologies which aim to lower the residents' household bills and reduce the developments' carbon footprint.

Councillor Hannah David, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Economic Regeneration at Hertsmere Council, said "I'm delighted to be standing here alongside Genesis Housing Group today. The local people have been very well involved in helping shape the look of the estate which fits with the Council's and the Housing Corporation's standards. It will be affordable, sustainable and will meet the Decent Homes standard. It is a wonderful and exciting example of what can be achieved through partnership working and I would particularly like to thank Genesis which has financed the whole scheme. We should all be proud of this excellent example of regeneration which meets the needs of its residents."

Gordon Beaven, Chair of the Residents' Association, said "It's so exciting to see work progress on our new homes. It's been a rollercoaster journey involving many meetings to get this far but we are proud to have got as close to winning 100% of what we proposed to the Council as we could have expected through that process."

Steve Coleman, Director of Development at Genesis Housing Group, said "This innovative scheme is all about people. I would like to say a big thank you to the residents for helping drive what will be a huge scheme improvement for them. Genesis has developed an excellent partnership with Crestel and the local residents."

Howard Lavers, Managing Director for Crestel Partnerships Ltd said "I am delighted to see that, after four years of very close and extensive partnering between Crestel, Genesis and the residents, the scheme is at long last off the ground. Crestel will be delighted sponsor the street party that the residents are very keen to have once the development is complete."

For further information about Genesis Housing Group, or images, please contact Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178 / emaildiana.evans@ghg.org.uk or visit www.ghg.org.uk

Notes to editors
Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 38,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.