A collaborative project to provide a life-changing military veterans’ self-build project in Plymouth has won a national award.
The Stirling Housing Project in Plymouth won the Excellence in Planning for Communities (small schemes under 50 homes) category at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards in London.
Stirling House, which houses five veterans in need of a new and affordable home, is a joint partnership between LiveWest, Plymouth City Council and veterans’ charity Alabaré.
The development, based on the site of a former residential care home at Honicknowle Green, has seen a number of previously homeless military veterans involved in the construction of the self-contained affordable homes for social rent.
The project has helped the veterans with employment, learning skills for life and helping them settle into their new homes.
Judges on the award’s panel commented: “This project stands out for its innovative environmental solutions and commitment to sustainability.
“Collaborative planning and strong partnerships have produced resilient outcomes that benefit both people and nature, with clear evidence of social capital returned to the economy.
“The scheme demonstrates how thoughtful design can address climate challenges, while enhancing community value.”
Gareth Jones, Development Director for LiveWest, said: “We are delighted to have won the Excellence in Planning Communities category at the RTPI Awards.
“The recognition demonstrates the fantastic collaborative work which made this project a huge success.
“Stirling House has provided much-needed affordable housing and offered ex-service personnel the unique opportunity to get involved with the construction of the homes and to learn new skills, supported in the process by Alabaré.
“We are proud to offer these high-quality and energy-efficient homes, where the build and design of the project focuses on the wellbeing of its residents.”
The Stirling House Project began in 2021 after Plymouth City Council selected LiveWest as a partner to redevelop the site.
Together, the two organisations joined forces with Alabaré who provide a range of accommodation and support for ex-Armed Forces personnel who have faced challenges in their civilian lives, and who run several veterans’ self-build schemes across the South and South West.
All twenty-five homes are let on social rents to local people in housing need.
The project received £250k of funding from the One Public Estate Programme, which, together with match funding from the Plymouth City Council, enabled site preparation and demolition works to take place to unlock the site for new homes
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, said: “The Stirling Project was a flagship endeavour for the trio of partners who delivered it and I’m delighted that it has been rightfully recognised on a national stage.
“I’m grateful to the RTPI for this award but I reserve special thanks to both LiveWest and Alabaré.
“We know that partnership working like this is so important to making a difference by getting homes build and in this case, giving back to veterans who have served our country.”
Throughout the project, Alabaré has provided support to the veterans, helping them to rebuild their self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing, and empowering them to go on to live successful, independent civilian lives in the new homes they have built.
The support provided by Alabaré has been funded thanks to grants from Plymouth City Council, LiveWest, Veterans’ Foundation and Army Benevolent Fund.
Andrew Lord, CEO for Alabaré, said: “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in the Stirling House project and to see our collaboration with trusted partners LiveWest and Plymouth City Council recognised with this national award.
“The self-build scheme is a real success – for every veteran who participates, we report a Social Impact Value of £85,000; 97% of participants are now in full-time employment; and 50 veterans have graduated from the scheme so far.
“This award is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to break the cycle of veterans’ homelessness.”
The development was delivered through Homes England’s Shared Ownership Homes Programme by LiveWest, with support from Plymouth City Council and Alabaré.
Homes England is the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.
Ailsa Yeoman Evans, Head of Delivery for Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“This national award is fantastic achievement, recognising how the Stirling Housing project provides veterans with stability, confidence and the tools to shape their futures.
“This project is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners to create thriving communities people can be proud of.”
Totnes-based Coyde Construction was also contracted to build the Stirling House scheme which was designed by architects Form Design.