First residents move into Mariners Quay ready for 2011
December saw a hive of activity at Newport’s new ‘eco-homes development’ Mariners Quay, with the residents busy moving into their new homes, in time to celebrate their first Christmas and New Year.
Mariners Quay, the largest sustainable development in Wales, comprises 101 affordable homes, being built by the Seren Group; one of the largest support and housing providers in Wales, in partnership with Newport City Council, Leadbitter Group, Newport Unlimited and the Welsh Assembly.
Located adjacent to the new Usk riverside park, the residents of the first phase have now moved into the highly contemporary two, three and four bedroom houses, all of which have been designed to the highest standards and include the latest environmental technology.
Norma and David Delahay, aged 65 and recently retired, recently moved from their Council flat in Pill to a new 2 bedroom house and were pleased to give a personal tour around their stunning new home to Councillor David Hando; Jonathon Davies, Seren Chair; Russell Houghton, Leadbitter Group and Leigh Donovan, Newport Unlimited.
Norma said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our new home and all the special little environmental touches. Our family and friends are so envious, especially our 7 year old grandson, who summed up our feelings perfectly, whilst excitedly running from room to room he was heard saying: “wow, lush, awesome!” and we really couldn’t agree more!”
Norma and David sold their home in Beechwood several years ago and had been renting through the Council in the interim period. They are currently renting their new home through Charter Options and will be buying in the future.
On visiting Norma and David’s home, Seren’s new Group Chair Jonathon Davies said ‘Along with our partners we developed an ambitious vision for real affordable sustainable housing and seeing how this has come to life today is quite breathtaking. Mariners Quay is about so much more than bricks and mortar, it’s about creating an environment in which the community can flourish both now and in the future. It has been particularly satisfying to see how thrilled Norma and David are with their beautiful home and how quickly they have settled in.”
The homes include features such as triple glazing, water efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting to reduce mains water consumption, an on-site electricity generator and sun boxes to capture the warmth of the sun.
The groundbreaking homes are specifically designed to substantially reduce utility bills, which could cost as little as £5.00 per week. The residents have received a detailed ‘Green Guide’ DVD and a personal consultation explaining how to get the best out of their cutting-edge new homes.
Cllr David Hando, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing said: “Together with Seren, Leadbitter, Newport Unlimited, Welsh Assembly and other partners, Newport City Council is creating a very impressive river front , which is attracting favourable comment from far and wide. The City is now celebrating the river front after years of turning its back on the Usk, which, historically, has been vital to Newport’s industry and trade. There is no more impressive development than Mariners’ Quay and everyone involved deserves the City’s warmest congratulations.”
In addition to the houses, Seren is constructing a further eighty six, one and two bedroom apartments which will be ready by early Summer 2011. The apartments will be rented through a mixture of Charter Housing (social rental) and Charter Options (intermediate rental).
One of the most significant eco-homes regeneration projects in the UK, Mariners Quay is very much at the forefront of 21st century living, encouraging a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
It is both the largest development in Wales and one of the largest in the UK to achieve Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and, although only Phase 1 is built, Mariners Quay is already the proud Winner of 2 Awards.
For more information on living at Mariners Quay please contact Zarine Jewell on 01633 212375.