Sophie Ricketts, BBC’s Targeted Enforcement Manager, Steve Wells of DWP Housing Partnership and Cllr Jane Kelly
A house of bedsits in Boscombe has been transformed into three modern apartments by DWP Housing Partnership – which continues to upgrade its housing stock.
The property in Churchill Road is the latest to be updated by the landlord which is returning a number of Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) back to family homes and self-contained flats.
Bournemouth Borough Council has made great strides in regenerating the area but requires private landlords to be a part of the transformation.
The Victorian properties in Churchill Gardens surround a large green with sports and play equipment.
Steve Wells who heads DWP Housing Partnership – Dorset’s biggest private landlord – said: “This is the latest conversion in a programme of improvements.
“The property now contains a two bedroom flat and two one bedroom flats, and with a high demand for housing it was occupied very shortly after completion.
“We are converting a number of HMOs and upgrading our housing stock because it benefits everyone.
“It means we have larger properties that benefit families and also means our tenants will stay longer.
“Other benefits include enhancing the living environment for all residents in an area. We’re pleased to be supporting the council in its aim to improve Boscombe.”
Sophie Ricketts, the council’s Targeted Enforcement Manager, said: “We are running a property improvement programme and are asking landlords to improve their properties.
“DWP are on board and we’ve done a lot of work with them. The enhancements improve the environment, increase community cohesion, there is less transience and it’s more sustainable.”
Cllr Jane Kelly, cabinet member for regeneration and public health, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve got new families in Churchill Gardens – and thanks to DWP Housing Partnership for what they are doing to enhance the area.”
