On Monday 17 September, the refurbished homes of the Ilford Chapel at 48 Ilford Hill were officially opened by the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Joyce Ryan; David Morgan, Trustee of the Abbess Adelicia Charity and Mark Gayfer, Managing Director of Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group.

These Grade II listed buildings include the oldest buildings in Redbridge with parts dating back to the 12th century. For many centuries they were used as almshouses and church hospice for people suffering from Hansens Disease (previously known as leprosy). Previous owners included the 19th century landowner, Bamber Gascoyne.

Refurbishment, conversion and alteration of two existing Grade II listed buildings to form seven self contained flats began in March 2006. They now provide four one-bed self contained flats and three two-bed self contained flats.

The homes will be used by Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group, as affordable rented accommodation in partnership with the London Borough of Redbridge. This project was completed in June 2007 through the Logic Homes framework using Allenbuild as contractor.

Mark Gayfer, Managing Director of Springboard Housing Association commented, "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved, in particular the London Borough of Redbridge and the Abbess Adelicia Charity. The sensitivity of the contractors working on a Grade II listed building and the joint working the borough is a credit to the partnership at work on this project."

Cllr Joyce Ryan, Mayor of London Borough of Redbridge, said, "It is a delight to see this oasis of calm near the centre of the borough. The tenants living here are very fortunate and as our regeneration of the area continues they will be at the heart of it. These homes have been completed to a very good standard and I'm very proud we have been able to support the project."

The homes have been refurbished with the assistance of a grant of nearly £270,000 from the London Borough of Redbridge. They were designed by Tooley and Foster architects and work was carried out by Allenbuild Ltd with HBW as employers agents.

Ends

For more information please contact
Alexander Gaze
Genesis Housing Group
0208 150 4755
alex.gaze@ghg.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

Genesis Housing Group, which incorporates PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations, is one of the UK's largest and most successful providers of homes for rent and sale. Together, Genesis owns and/or manages more than 30,000 homes across London and the southeast, with £1.3 billion worth of assets under management.