Jun 17 - Government Announces Two More Affordable Housing Projects
The Government has today announced another two new affordable, co-ownership housing schemes which, together, will offer almost 1,700 new homes for sale.
These estates will be named after eminent Gibraltarians Sir Joshua Hassan and Sir Robert Peliza.
Hassan Centenary Terraces will form part of the Blue Water project on the Eastside which was announced last week. This development will consist of 1,147 homes.
Bob Peliza Mews will be located on Waterport Road in the area currently occupied by Customs House. This development will consist of 518 homes.
Both areas will include car parking for one space per home and additional parking spaces for additional sale to purchasers.
These new homes, which will be built to high standards and incorporate several environmentally-friendly features, will be sold on the usual terms including 50/50 arrangements.
The two schemes will be entirely developed and financed by Camoren Holdings who are the developers behind the Blue Water project. Further details of the apartments, criteria for application and the indicative prices will all be made available before the end of July.
The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said:
“The provision of more housing is one of the Government’s flagship manifesto commitments. Since we came into office, we have been able to identify several pieces of land on which to construct houses for our people. The apartments at Mons Calpe Mews and Beach View Terraces are now nearing completion and together with those we are announcing today, we will have provided over 2500 new affordable homes. We have developed 150 homes for rental also. The Government is extremely pleased to be so advanced in the development of all these homes and to be giving so many people a real opportunity to purchase at an affordable price. It is another example of this Government’s flagship commitments being turned into a reality.
“For those who decide they want to start a family, we can ensure we can provide them with a place to live, which will help strong Gibraltarian families to build a strong Gibraltar for the future.”
The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia added, “It is expected that some of the people who apply to buy new apartments are currently in Government-rented accommodation so these developments will have the secondary effect of releasing more rental accommodation. We said in Opposition that the provision of new homes for our people was a priority and we continue to deliver on this commitment in Government."
He said that the new flats have a historical dimension added to the choice of names, specifically as they are named after two former Chief Ministers of Gibraltar.
Michael Crisell, Managing Director of Camoren Holdings, said he was happy to enter negotiations with the Government of Gibraltar on these homes.
He explained that a team of local architects have been commissioned to draw up the design for the new homes. The conceptual designs are up to European standards, and this is a low energy scheme, which is energy
Dr Joseph Garcia said: “It is important to show that this is a reflection of the commitment that the Government has had to affordable housing.
“Our aim was to make sure that we are delivering on a promise of 1000 flats.”
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