New North East group ‘Vela Homes’ unveiled

Two North East housing associations have joined together to create a new housing group called Vela Homes.

Vela Homes embraces Housing Hartlepool, which is responsible for 7,000 homes, and Stockton-based Tristar Homes, which has more than 10,000 properties in its portfolio.

The name reflects both Hartlepool’s maritime heritage and the Tristar stars and underlines the aspirations of both organisations to provide quality services for their tenants and contribute to the growth of the communities of Stockton and Hartlepool.

The two organisations will retain their distinct identities and continue to operate as separate landlords in their localities, with local boards made up of local people and experts who care about their future.

However, the two organisations see the potential for substantial benefits to operating within a group arrangement including greater buying powers leading to better value for money for tenants.

The group structure also means the organisations can bring together their expertise and share best practice which will mean even better services for their tenants.

Vela, through Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes, is committed to supporting the regeneration of communities. Working closely with residents and other agencies, the organisations will improve and build homes, and improve the local environment and surrounding neighbourhoods.

A wide range of community-based services, including those seeking to tackle financial exclusion, unemployment and worklessness, will also be delivered.

Cath Purdy, Vela Homes chief executive, said: “The formation of Vela will enable Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes to maximise their capabilities as community investment agencies, regeneration companies and affordable housing providers.

“The group structure will ensure value for money for residents in both towns. We will be able to deliver home improvements, housing investment, the development of new houses and support community initiatives.

“Vela will also give both organisations a stronger voice and improved opportunities at both a regional and national level.

“At the same time, Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes will continue to play a significant part in their local neighbourhoods working with Stockton and Hartlepool councils and a range of other partners’’.

Mike Clark, chairman of Vela Homes, said: “Both Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes will continue to work at the heart of their communities for the benefit of their respective residents and their neighbourhoods.

“We have a specific task to undertake in making sure that the promises made to tenants are achieved but the creation of Vela Homes will also strengthen their positions as providers of high quality affordable homes and our ability to lead on housing and community regeneration in the sub-region, and hopefully other parts of the North East. “

Tristar Homes is a newly created housing association following the transfer of 10,250 homes from Stockton Borough Council. The authority for the transfer has been granted following a ballot of all tenants in summer 2010, in which 89 per cent approved the proposal. Tristar Homes which has been the Council’s arms length management organisation since 2002, now has the ability to unlock £140 million for an investment programme which will upgrade properties, improve the lives of tenants, and invest in homes for future generations.