Community housing provider CCHA has been honoured for its long-serving commitment to providing homes for the local community at a 50th anniversary celebration.
Mayor of Croydon Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor and Minister for Housing Gavin Barwell were among more than 60 guests who joined staff and residents at Braithwaite Hall in Croydon.
CCHA was established in 1967 when its founders bought its first properties for families in need. From those humble beginnings it has gone on to provide more than 1,400 affordable homes across Croydon and the neighbouring boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Merton and Sutton.
Tracy Cullen of CCHA with Gavin Barwell MP
Mr Barwell, who is also the MP for Croydon Central, said: “I have a particular attachment to organisations such as CCHA, who work hard to address the desperate housing need in Croydon where the council is struggling to cope.
“The role that local housing associations play are absolutely critical.”
The event featured a performance by the Cardboard citizens, who delivered a theatrical performance of ‘Cathy’ a modern day re-staging of ‘Cathy Come Home’ a thought-provoking film about homelessness, originally aired in 1966.
Cardboard citizens perform a play at CCHA’s 50th anniversary party at Braithwaite Hall
CCHA added eight new homes to its portfolio towards the end of 2016 – three two-bedroom apartments and five one-bedroom homes at Simpson Court in Pampisford Road, South Croydon.
Tracy Cullen, chief executive of CCHA, said: “Simpson Court is not only up to a high standard but has also been completed early, meaning residents can move in sooner.
“It provides eight new homes for affordable rent to support the ever-growing housing needs of the community in Croydon.”
Mayor of Croydon Wayne Trakas-Lawlor, Croydon Council deputy leader Alison Butler and Tracy Cullen
It is CCHA’s fifth development in a partnership with Orbit Homes, which has so far seen 83 homes built in the Croydon area.
Maggie McCann, development director for Orbit, said: “Committed to helping tackle London’s housing crisis, we are delighted to see the latest homes in our partnership with CCHA come to life.
“By working together, we’re able to deliver more high-quality and affordable new homes for local people.”
Following the completion of Simpson Court, CCHA currently has a further 58 homes under development in Croydon.