Property news: Brighton Estate Agent Association supporting shipping container residents
The Brighton and Hove Estate Agent Association (BHEAA) has donated £1,611 to housing charity Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) to pay for the initial set up costs for a new garden area at the recently built Richardson Yard, a housing development of 36 converted shipping containers.
The donation will also pay for Harvest, a local food growing project, to maintain the gardens and provide a weekly course for the residents to learn how to grow their own food and the benefits of growing, buying and eating local produce.
Andy Winter, BHT Chief Executive said: “We are very grateful to the BHEAA for their generous donation which will not only provide our residents with a garden but will teach them how to grow their own food; a skill that they will be able to use long after they move on from Richardson Yard.”
Ross Gilbert, Director, QED said: “It is great that BHEAA have recognised the added value opportunity of encouraging more food growing in the City.
“Their generous donation will be used to further BHT’s Grow! initiative, a BHT gardening project developed to encourage clients to get involved and access opportunities to grow their own fruit and veg on BHT project sites.
“The money will also fund external expertise in the form of Harvest to provide onsite food growing mentoring and instruction to residents, I hope giving them the confidence, knowledge and skills to grow their own food at Richardson Yard and beyond.”
James Epps, 2013 President of BHEAA said: “The association is delighted to support this unique local housing project. Personally I was amazed how such a clever concept can create ideal starter homes. I hope that our donation helps the residents in their stay at Richmond Yard.”
Richardson Yard is a joint venture between the homelessness charity BHT and developer QED to tackle the acute shortage of affordable accommodation in Brighton and Hove.
The 36 shipping containers have been transformed into stylish, comfortable homes with the support of retailers Homebase, to provide temporary accommodation for homeless men and women; helping them to move on from homelessness, towards more positive futures.
Brighton Housing Trust www.bht.org.uk
BHEAA www.bhea.org.uk
