Citu, a Yorkshire-based sustainable property developer with a focus on community-led development, and Great Places Housing Group, a northern, affordable housing provider, are working together to deliver 16 new, zero-carbon homes for shared ownership in Kelham Central, located in Sheffield’s Kelham Island neighbourhood.
Jonathan Wilson, Citu, Managing Director, said: “Through great collaboration with like-minded partners, Citu is excited to support the launch of a shared ownership offering at Kelham Central, bringing added value to the existing community and the wider Kelham district.
“It’s always been Citu’s ambition to create impactful places, protecting the planet with an emphasis on places where people can thrive. This is an important chapter in our journey – as to build a truly inclusive and diverse community where every person has something to contribute – we need to make sure as many people as possible are given the opportunity to purchase a home here.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places Housing Group, said: “Partnership working is at the heart of Great Places in delivering much needed affordable homes in the areas in which we operate.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Citu, to offer shared ownership as part of Kelham Central, providing an affordable housing option for those looking to be part of this exciting new community close to Sheffield city centre.”
Shared ownership gives first-time buyers, as well those looking to move up the property ladder or downsize, an opportunity to own between 10% and 75% of the home’s full market value and pay rent on the remaining amount. Buyers also have the opportunity to buy more shares in their home in the future until they own 100 per cent of their property outright.
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Citu and Great Places on this important project in the centre of Sheffield’s industrial heartland, which is rapidly forming.
“Sheffield is a fantastic place to live, and we need more affordable homes to allow as many as possible to love this city, this development will help us achieve our goal of transforming the city into a place people can live, work and relax.”
Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“This investment through the Affordable Homes Programme does just that, enabling Citu and Great Places to build 16 low carbon, much needed new homes the people of Sheffield can be proud to call home.”
Kelham Central, Citu’s second development on Kelham Island following the now complete and fully occupied award-winning Little Kelham neighbourhood, aims to tackle the climate emergency with 113 new homes built using Citu’s innovative timber-framed design which offers airtightness and energy efficiency.
The scheme also reprioritises outdoor leisure and greenspace, creating communities that have ownership of their futures through a Community Interest Company (CIC). The homes are a mix of high-performance 3 and 4-bed townhouses, with a sleek Scandinavian style design and access to private roof terrace space.
Every Citu Home is built to be sustainable, this means the operational carbon from the homes is 73% better than a traditional home. The homes are designed and built to Passive House Standards. Each home features triple-glazed windows, renewable technology and mechanical ventilation systems. The Great Places shared owners will also benefit from significantly reduced energy usage.
