Minister shown around the Orchards

Mercian Housing Association (MHA) played host to the minister for the West Midlands Ian Austin MP yesterday, showing him around a newly refurbished support housing scheme for formerly homeless young people.

The Orchards is regarded as a flagship redevelopment by MHA, and saw the Erdington YMCA turned in to high quality supported homes for people in Birmingham. When complete, phase 1 of the development will consist of 83 self-contained flats, providing supported accommodation and phase 2 will provide facilities not just for the residents, but for the whole community, including a day nursery, lounge, internet café, gym and shops.

Austin said: “It’s wonderful to see the work that’s going on here in Erdington. It’s an excellent example of partnership working to meet the housing and regeneration needs of the region. This will be a fantastic facility for vulnerable young people in Birmingham, giving them not only support, but opportunities too, helping to secure the future of this area.”

Laurice Ponting, chief executive of MHA added: “Mercian is delighted to be working in partnership on this iconic project. We are committed to enhancing people’s Life Chances by building sustainable homes in the communities we work in. These supported homes and facilities mean that not only will residents have a safe roof over their heads, but they will also have the opportunity to take part in essential life skills workshops and community projects that will help to prepare them to lead a more independent future.”