Thurrock Council's affordable housing programme is continuing to deliver benefits beyond the provision of much-needed new homes, with partners supporting local charities, community organisations and businesses through their social value commitments.
At the Vigerons Way affordable housing development in Chadwell St Mary, main contractor TJ Evers has made a significant contribution to the local economy by exceeding its local spending target. As part of its social value obligations, the contractor committed to sourcing goods and services from businesses within Thurrock and the surrounding area.
The project has committed £173,750 of local spend, surpassing its target of £125,000 by more than £48,000.
The spending has supported a wide range of trades and specialist services, including bricklaying, roofing, scaffolding, structural steelwork, building materials and waste management.
In addition, social value commitments associated with the affordable housing developments at Lyndhurst Road and Vigerons Way have provided direct support to local charities.
Potter Raper, the Clerk of Works for the builds, made donations totalling more than £300 to Thurrock Foodbank, Changing Pathways and Sanctuary Supported Living, helping those organisations continue providing vital support to vulnerable residents across the borough.
Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "By making sure that developers working for the council include social value commitments, we not only deliver high-quality affordable housing, but also support local communities, charities and businesses along the way.
"These initiatives highlight the value of strong partnership working. They strengthen the local economy and create wider social benefits alongside new housing developments."