New affordable homes replace ‘tired’ Wisbech bedsits

A “tired” sheltered housing complex has been transformed into 24 affordable homes for Wisbech residents.

Circle Housing Roddons has demolished the bedsits at Napier Court to make away for 20 flats and four houses.

The new-look development has now been officially launched and the housing association has received huge interest in the homes.

Head of housing Sue Stavers said: “We are very proud of what we’ve achieved here at Napier Court. We recognised that the land wasn’t being used to its full potential and by embarking on a regeneration project we’re now able to offer 24 homes to those in housing need.”

The association constructed the new development after a feasibility study revealed the former bedsits were no longer suitable accommodation could be better used.

The new estate was launched on October 23.

Will Sutton, Fenland District Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing strategy, is impressed with the changes.

He said: “What a transformation this is from the tired old building the former Napier Court had become. It had fallen far below acceptable standards. Now in its place we have this very impressive scheme.

“This is a gateway road into an historic town, so it is nice to see another modern development which will add to other new buildings in the area, such as the engineering skills building just down the road on the College of West Anglia site and Awdry House, the new county council offices.

“This project brings the total number of new homes provided by Circle Housing Roddons in Fenland to 362 since the council’s housing stock was transferred. I know they have plans in place to meet their promise of delivering 500 new affordable homes in Fenland and we look forward to working with them to achieve this.”