Tuesday 3 July 2007
Balloon launch marks homes boost

More than 2,000 balloons were released into the skies over Milton Keynes to celebrate a major boost in affordable housing in the city.
           
Children at St Bernadette's RC Primary School, Monkston Park, waved off the blue and green balloons as they floated away from their playground on Thursday (June 28).

The event was organised by leading affordable housing provider bpha, to mark the completion of 537 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership in Milton Keynes and Peterborough.

The homes - built in Milton Keynes across 23 sites including Monkston and at two sites in Peterborough - have been completed over the last two years through the Government's Challenge Fund 2 programme.

bpha, together with integrated construction consultancy Avebury, won an open competition to design, construct and deliver the £52m programme, which is supported by English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation.

Over half of the homes have been provided for key public sector workers - such as nurses, police officers and teachers - to meet strong local demand.

The balloon that travels the furthest from the release site, and has its race label returned by August 31, will win the finder Marks & Spencer shopping vouchers.

St Bernadette's RC Primary School is also set to benefit from the event. bpha is to make a standard donation of £250 to the school, together with a further £1 for every mile the furthest balloon travels up to a maximum £537 (to match the total number of homes provided).

The school will use the money for an environmental project which is still to be decided. All the balloons' labels have also been allocated to one of the school's five year groups, and the winning balloon will win its year group a further £50 for a class project.

John Cross, chief executive of bpha, said: "We are delighted to have provided these new homes in Milton Keynes and Peterborough for key workers and others in housing need.

"We know that the homes have made a real difference to the lives of hundreds of people who have benefited from high-quality, affordable accommodation and the ability to put down roots in these new communities.

"We wanted to mark the occasion with a special event and are delighted to have joined forces with the local school to release the balloons.

"bpha is committed to supporting local communities and the school at Monkston Park is at the heart of this new neighbourhood."

The balloons used for the release are made of natural, biodegradable latex and the labels are made from renewable materials, in keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the new homes.

All the homes completed through Challenge Fund 2 meet the highest energy efficiency ratings, with many costing their residents as little as £36 a year to heat.

John Cross added: "The homes' strict energy efficiency standards mean a reduced impact on the environment and low running costs for residents - a key benefit in affordable housing.

"We look forward to finding out how far the balloons travel and awarding the winner and the school their prizes."

bpha will present the school with a cheque for the full donation in September.