The site of Newham's High Street South Methodist Church is set to be revitalised by the construction of a new church building and several new affordable family homes.

Genesis Housing Group has started work on six three-bedroomed family homes, one of which will be fully wheelchair accessible with lift to the first floor. All the homes will be available at affordable rents and will be managed by Springboard, a subsidiary of Genesis Housing Group.

Steve Coleman, Group Development Director, Genesis said; "Genesis Housing Group are very pleased to be developing these high quality family homes in an area where affordable housing is in short supply. We are sure that these homes along with the new church will be a real asset to the local community."

Reverend Denys Bament, Minister at High Street South Methodist Church said; "The Methodist church is being re-built in order to provide a more manageable and flexible place of worship. This, along with the new affordable homes, will be of great benefit to Newham residents."

The new homes and church have been designed by Petch & Fermaud architects and built by Haynes & Smith Ltd as part of a Design and Build Contract with the Genesis Housing Group

Work is due to finish on site in early 2007.

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For more information:

Jayne Williams
Genesis Housing Group
Marketing, Press & PR Officer
0208 150 4178
jayne.williams@ghg.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Sutherland, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. We also have in our group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. We are one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 45,000 homes. Our overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Springboard is a subsidiary of Genesis House and provides high quality housing and support services to over 10,000 people in east London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Haynes & Smith Ltd a well established construction contractor operating in Essex and East London, who as part of their portfolio undertake Design & Build Contracts principally for Housing Associations.

Petch & Fermaud is an architectural practice with particular experience in designing affordable housing, both new build and refurbishment, including housing for people with various types of special needs.