Jason Browne officially moved into his brand-new two-bedroom home at the Trading Post Way development in Bitton, South Gloucestershire — a milestone moment for him and his 13-year-old son, Bobby.
Trading Post Way is a 100% affordable housing development of 48 one to four-bedroom homes that are available through social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership.
Representatives from Alliance Homes and South Gloucestershire Council were there to welcome Jason to his new community and celebrate the occasion. These included Alliance Homes’ Service Director for New Homes, Sarah McQuatt, Councillor John O’Neill, cabinet member responsible for affordable housing, and his colleagues, Enabling Programme Manager, Kerry Cox, and Enabling Officer, Dawn May.
Speaking about the move, Jason shared what the new home means for him and Bobby.
“I can’t believe it - I feel so lucky and thankful that we now live in this amazing home.
“Before, I was living in Kingswood in a one-bedroom flat in a large, noisy block. My son has ADHD, so he struggles with his emotions and now he’s 13 he really needed more space.
“I’d been bidding on Home Choice regularly but got nothing, then finally I got the offer from Alliance asking me if I’d like to move in here and I was gobsmacked.
“This place is fantastic. For my boy it’s quiet, there’s a garden and best of all he’s got his own bedroom - it couldn’t be better. We’re both so happy and grateful for our new home, I feel the future is bright.”
Sarah McQuatt said:
“Handing over the keys to Jason is a great moment for us. It’s heart-warming to see the positive impact that a good quality, secure home in a thriving community can have.
“At Alliance, we're committed to doing our part to tackle the housing crisis in our region. Over the next couple of years, we plan to deliver 63 much-needed affordable homes in South Gloucestershire. This is part of our ambition to build 2,000 new affordable homes in the wider region by 2033, helping more local people and families access secure, high-quality housing.”
The project to revamp the brownfield site of the former Chief Trading Post was made possible through close collaboration with South Gloucestershire Council and funding support from Homes England.
Councillor O’Neill commented:
"It is fantastic to see Jason and Bobby so happy in their new home. This development has transformed the site and brought much needed affordable homes to this community, offering a range of house types that will meet the needs of families, single people and couples.
“It also it supports the objectives of the council’s Housing Strategy, HomesWest Partnership and commitment to delivering new affordable homes. Importantly, these homes will meet the needs of those on the council’s Housing Register and in need of affordable housing in South Gloucestershire.
“The progress has been swift, and I’m looking forward to seeing the remaining homes occupied soon."