In 2017 we set ourselves the ambitious goal of securing £1M to buy and refurbish more homes in Hendon and to continue to drive up standards in the private rented sector and make Hendon a Better Place.
Back on the Map brought together key partners to deliver huge change for the Hendon area. The £1.2M project has brought 20 homes back into use. The scheme was financed using our own income, a grant from the Virgin Money Foundation and a loan from Sunderland City Council which the charity is repaying.
The final two refurbishments which finishes this scheme saw us transform two long term empty properties given new leases of life having been converted from two bedroom cottages in to three bed family homes.
The scheme has been a two-pronged approach, with the Virgin Money Foundation grant focused on run down private rented sector properties and the loan from Sunderland City Council aimed at bringing empty homes back into use. The result being; fewer empty homes in Hendon.
The Transforming Hendon Housing project is a milestone for Back on the Map and a major step towards our goal of bringing more local homes under local ownership.
Back on the Map’s plan for making Hendon a ‘Better Place’ is to take ownership of, and manage, local housing and provide good quality homes where people can afford to stay and can settle, creating a Stronger Community.
Julie Gray, Back on the Map Chairperson; “‘Thanks to the grant from Virgin Money Foundation and favourable loan finance from Sunderland City Council we were able to achieve this leap forward in our growth plan. Although Covid delayed completion of the final two refurbishments we are delighted to see these completed now and look forward to local families making them their home.”
Cllr Mordey (Pictured alongside BotM Deputy CEO Joanne Cooper, Cllr Rebecca Atkinson and BotM trustee and local resident Eddie Moore) added, “The partnership between Back on the Map, local Hendon Ward councillors and the City Council is having a transformational impact on the local area.
“With over 20 long term empty properties brought back into use so far residents can see the difference the work is making in the local area.
“I would like to thank the team at Back on the Map for their passion and determination in driving this work forward and the City Council for backing that ambition with funding.
“Hopefully this is just the start of a successful long term partnership.”