Harrogate Borough Council

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2 October 2007 - A pioneering housing project in the Harrogate district to provide homes and jobs for young people has been shortlised in a national housing award scheme

 

The Harrogate Youthbuild Trust is one of the finalists in the Developing Skills and Capacity category of the UK Housing Awards 2007.  These awards are the biggest and most prestigious in the housing calendar and are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing.

 

Harrogate Youthbuild Trust is a partnership between Harrogate Borough Council, Accent Group, Harrogate College, National Housing Federation (North) and the Golden Triangle Partnership.

 

Louis Ridgway and Ben Hay were two young people chosen to take part in this project which saw them work with contractors to turn an old Victorian terraced property on Mayfield Grove, Harrogate into three self-contained flats. 

 

Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing at Harrogate Borough Council says this first project has been a tremendous success  "There are many young people in our district who need a helping hand to make a success of their lives.  That is what this scheme has offered. 

 

"We are always keen to identify innovative ways of increasing the supply of affordable housing particularly for vulnerable young people.  This project certainly fits into the Developing Skills and Capacity category.  Louis and Ben are now the proud tenants of the flats they helped to convert and they also attended Harrogate College to get qualifications in the building trade which will help secure them permanent employment in the future.  This area needs more skilled tradesmen."

 

The awards ceremony will be held on 8 November. 

 

The Harrogate Youthbuild Trust has also been shortlisted in the Yorkshire and Humber Making a Difference Awards also being held in November.  ENDS