A DOZEN families now have somewhere to call home following the completion of council properties built to tackle "the housing crisis in Colchester".

Colchester Council, in partnership with Colchester Amphora Homes, has unveiled 12 new two-bedroom flats on former garage sites in Buffet Way and Scarfe Way.

Each eco-friendly apartment, designed to reduce carbon emissions, features air source heat pumps, double glazing, LED lighting and increased insulation.

The homes, which have already been assigned to delighted tenants, also boast a communal garden and a lockable bike and garden storage for every unit.

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Colchester councillor Julie Young, cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “I am extremely pleased these sustainable new flats have now been completed.

“They mark a significant step in our commitment to tackling the housing crisis in Colchester.

“The transformation of under-used council-owned garage sites into high quality flats is advantageous for everyone.

“It provides much-needed stock for our social housing register and ensures that local families can live in modern and sustainable homes.

“We will continue to work closely with and Colchester Amphora Homes, to explore and develop more opportunities to expand our stock of council homes.” 

Gazette: Pleased - Former mayor Julie YoungPleased - Former mayor Julie Young (Image: Newsquest)

The completion of the new block of flats, built by Amplis Construction, marks the second phase of the council’s ambitious project to redevelop garage sites.

The first added 34 new homes to the housing stock available to the authority, which hopes to build 350 new properties in the city by 2024, to tackle local housing need.

The New Council Housing Programme is being delivered in partnership with Colchester Amphora Homes and Colchester Borough Homes.

It is also being supported by Homes England and the council’s Housing Revenue Account – money from which can only be spent on affordable housing.

Paul Smith, managing director of Colchester Commercial Holdings Ltd, said: “Amphora Homes is proud to work in partnership with the council and Colchester Borough Homes to bring these attractive new developments to fruition.

“We will continue to explore and develop further opportunities to expand the stock of council homes in great locations in and around our town.”