An affordable housing development in Bury St Edmunds that was named in honour of the Queen’s visit to distribute Maundy Money was officially unveiled by local dignitaries.

Maundy Money is symbolic of alms given by the monarch to the deserving poor in a ceremony that dates back to the 7th Century but today consist of specially minted commemorative coins. The Queen visited St Edmundsbury Cathedral in 2009 to distribute Maundy Money to local residents and so the new development of affordable homes was named ‘Maundy Close’ to mark the occasion.

There are a total of 30 properties on the development. New homes at 1-15 Maundy Close comprise of six, two bedroom houses; six, three bedroom houses and two, four bedroom houses. At 84 to 94 Out Westgate there are 16 new flats comprising 12, two bedroom flats and four, one bedroom flats.
The new homes at Maundy Close have been built to comply with Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Green features include high levels of wall, floor and roof insulation, low energy light fittings and solar thermal panels to provide up to 60 per cent of hot water needs.

Terry Fuller, regional director of Homes & Communities Agency, Eastern England, officially unveiled the £4 million, development that has transformed a rundown part of Bury St Edmunds and was completed well ahead of schedule.

He said: "The quality of the building and design is stunning. [They have given] 110 people new homes and I pay tribute to Havebury and everyone involved."

The development, funded with the help of a £1.15 million grant from the HCA has transformed the area, where eight poor quality 1930s flats were demolished to make way for the 30 new homes. They help relieve the pressure for more affordable housing where house prices are amongst the highest in the Eastern region.

Chief executive of Havebury, Steve Cook, said: "Nearly 2,000 people are currently on the register for an affordable home in this area so building new homes is something we care about doing and doing it well. These homes, which are a rich mix of accommodation close to the town centre and are part of a much larger programme to help the desperate need for affordable homes. We completed them well ahead of schedule."

One of the new residents, Susan Wilson, who has a four bedroom house for her family, said: "It’s the warmest house I have ever had. Havebury thought of everything and we’ve got all the mod cons such as shower curtains, switches in the right places and a garden shed which is really good. I also love being close to the town centre."

Another resident, Steven Geary, who has moved into a one bedroom flat, said: "I am loving it."
Cllr John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: "I am delighted that these properties are already providing a home for local people and that they are bringing new life into the area. We will continue to look at every opportunity to develop more affordable housing."