Housing Minister welcomes Renew research at Westminster event  

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP spoke at the launch of the first Renew research report ‘Unlocking over 500,000 good quality homes in the North’.   

The event took place in Westminster, and there was a strong turnout of parliamentarians. The Minister welcomed the new report and reflected on the importance of regeneration. He listened to all the speakers and engaged with guests.

Other speakers included Andrew Cooper MP, who hosted the event and explained why good quality housing is so important. Lord Best OBE DL shared why he is chairing Renew and the importance of addressing poor quality homes alongside increasing new supply.   

Our Chief Executive Tracy Harrison gave an overview of the report, highlighting the opportunity to boost supply of new homes in the North, kickstart economic growth and create thriving communities though housing led regeneration. She highlighted that housing providers in the North faced significant barriers, and only with support to overcome viability issues can the true potential of housing-led regeneration be unlocked.  

Chief Executive of MSV housing and NHC Chair, Charlie Norman, gave a member’s perspective and drawing on her experience in Greater Manchester, highlighted how devolution can support regeneration.  Secretary of the Gleadless Valley Residents Association Lara Joyce shared how regeneration can bring a sense of hope to residents, and why it’s important to deliver on promises to keep local people’s trust. She also talked about the importance of involving residents in shaping plans for their community.  

What was clear from the event – and the report – is that housing-led regeneration is more than bricks and mortar and balance sheets. It is change for communities that need it most, and in Lara’s words, it’s about it feeling safe to feel hope.