South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has visited three new homes in Lutterworth, which are part of what is thought to be a unique initiative in the country, thanks to Leicestershire based, Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS).
MHBS has invested £2 million in six brand new homes in their local community, the first three homes are at a new homes development in Lutterworth in the Harborough District.
The project is part of the Society’s recently launched Thrive Agenda and the first homes have been handed over to Midlands based housing association, Platform Housing Group, which will allocate tenants from the local area, including refugees from Ukraine.
The Thrive Agenda is MHBS’ new initiative to ensure giving back is at the core of everything they do. It represents an evolution in their purpose and involves a wide range of community activities to be implemented over 2023 and beyond.
Alberto was joined on the visit by the MHBS Chief Executive Iain Kirkpatrick and Platform’s Chief Operations Officer, Marion Duffy.
Alberto said, “I was delighted to join Market Harborough Building Society and Platform Housing Group in seeing the three new homes that have been made available to local families in Lutterworth via Harborough District Council. This is a wonderful initiative from Market Harborough Building Society in providing more excellent quality affordable homes for local people, and I am hugely grateful to them and to Platform who will be overseeing their future use.
“There is a shortage of affordable homes locally in South Leicestershire and nationally too, however I very much hope that others will follow the nation-leading example set by Market Harborough Building Society in making further such important investments for the benefit of local people”.
Iain Kirkpatrick, MHBS Chief Executive said, “Housing is not just about having a safe place to live, it’s paramount for access to employment, education, health, and social services and sits at the very heart of our purpose at Market Harborough Building Society.
“In a financial climate where the UK is facing a chronic shortage of affordable housing, we are proud to be in the position to, with the support of our members, use our financial reserves for essential community projects like this which reflect the founding principles of our sector.”
Marion Duffy, Platform Housing Group’s Chief Operations Officer said, “We are pleased and proud to partner with Market Harborough Building Society in their work to provide much needed local homes for families in need. As a social landlord we know the personal and community benefits that a truly affordable, safe and secure home can bring which is why it is great to support local investment such as this.”
The homes are being occupied on the basis of affordable rent and families are selected based on criteria set by Market Harborough District Council.
For more information on Market Harborough Building Society, visit https://mhbs.co.uk/thrive
