Hull City Council’s development partner Home Group, part of the Hull’s City-wide Partnership (KCWP), has won the silver award in the Best House category in the recent What House Awards.
The awards, often regarded as the “Housing Oscars”, are open to all levels of housing developer, from small housing associations to volume builders.
The winning “Encore” design, which is one in a wide range of designs in Persona’s portfolio, was launched in Hull, and is currently being built at KCWP’s Meaux Rise development, Kingswood.
It’s a four-bedroom family home, and was described by the What House? Judges as having: “…the wow factor, with its tall ceilings, generously sized rooms, spacious open-plan living and great feeling of light and space created through use of double height spaces and plenty of glazing.”
Cllr John Black, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing said, “It’s a great accolade for the Home Group and the style typifies their commitment to quality design. Choosing Hull to showcase the design demonstrates their customer centric approach and understanding of the communities in which they are building.
“Part of the city’s housing renaissance is to build homes which meet local demand. Over the last year, the Council has supported 2,208 new homes for rent or sale, and Home Group and the City-wide partnership have been central to help us meet our targets across both sectors.”
Brian Ham, Executive Director of Development at Home Group, said: “To be recognised anytime by What House? is fantastic. But, to be recognised so early in on Persona’s existence is way above anything we expected.
“Our success is down to bringing something a little different to the marketplace. Persona homes are designed in collaboration with our customers and we have an outstanding approach to the whole customer experience. Also, our affordable homes offer greater value for money than competitors, and they are specifically built to complement their environment and demographic.
“Hull being chosen as UK City of Culture for 2017 had a major impact on our decision to develop in the city. It told us that it was a city that was creative and open to new ideas.”
