Sep 01 - Affordable Homes At Beach View Terraces And Mons Calpe Mews Are In Final Stages Of Development
The Government has confirmed that the affordable homes at Beach View Terraces and Mons Calpe Mews are at a “very advanced” stage. Beach View Terraces are in the final stages of development, with finishing touches such as cleaning and painting underway, and the first sets of keys are expected to be handed over to new homeowners within the next few months. Works at Mons Calpe Mews are also said to be progressing very well.
The Government says that ensuring that everyone who needs it has appropriate and proportionate access to affordable housing was a “priority manifesto commitment” and the policy has always been to consider this “in a holistic way”. As such, the Government is pleased to be able to assist first time homeowners by increasing the House Purchase Allowance by £500 and by introducing a Rates Holiday for all purchasers of these affordable homes, as was announced in this year’s Budget. The Government also notes the success of the newly opened Gibraltar International Bank which is considering mortgage applications for these projects, which it says will certainly be a great relief to many.
The Government says it is delighted with the high standard of the new estates, both structurally and aesthetically. Residents will enjoy the benefits – which will be reflected in their electricity bills – of energy efficient boilers that are sized in proportion to each individual home and double-glazed windows that open three different ways. Residents of Beach View Terraces will also be able to take advantage of commercial units which will be located within the estate for their convenience. These units will go out to tender.
The Minister for Housing, Samantha Sacramento said: “I am extremely pleased with the way in which the affordable homes at Beach View Terraces and Mons Calpe Mews are being completed, on time and to such a high standard. This is also great news for those on the waiting list for Government rented housing, as many of the new homeowners will be moving into Beach View Terraces and Mons Calpe Mews from Government rented housing, thus freeing up these homes for others on the waiting list. Over the next few years as Bob Peliza Mews and Hassan Centenary Terraces take shape this Government will have succeeded in making housing problems in Gibraltar a thing of the past.”
The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said:
“The Government is delighted to have these housing projects at such an advanced stage within this term of office. We promised to give priority to housing our people and we have done so. We promised to bring back the 50/50 scheme and we have done so. There is also accommodation specifically designed for the elderly in Mons Calpe Mews and at Charles Bruzon House.”
The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “As Beach View Terraces and Mons Calpe Mews near completion, the plans for a further 1700 affordable homes at Hassan Centenary Terraces and Bob Peliza Mews are well underway. This represents a significant investment by the Government in the community, where Gibraltar needs it most, to deliver homes to the standard that everyone deserves in an affordable and sustainable way. We are delivering what we promised. These developments coming on stream will greatly alleviate the housing waiting list and put us in a strong position to reach our manifesto commitments. It is incredible to see how these projects have become a reality. I know that those who have bought are very much looking forward to moving in!”
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