More than 100 people met this week to discuss the future of a major regeneration project in Ham.

The 192 flats at Ham Close will be demolished and higher quality properties built in their place.

Richmond Housing Partnership, the borough's biggest housing association, owns the freehold to the flats. They hosted a virtual meeting which gave residents the chance to meet the shortlisted developers and confirmed what the next steps are.

Richmond Council said: "The Ham Close regeneration project is a landmark scheme for Ham. There are currently 192 flats at Ham Close. These flats at Ham Close are of poor construction, with poor insulation by today's standards.

"Many have condensation and/or damp issues. In addition, there are no lifts, leaving a number of flats inaccessible to people with disabilities.

"The regeneration will mean removing all of the current blocks and building high-standard new homes in their place.

"The regeneration would be built in the most sustainable way possible placing the local community, green space and eco-friendly credentials right at the heart of the project."

Cllr Liz Jaeger is vice-chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee on the council.

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She said: "We are pleased that work is now progressing to move this important project forward. We all want to create new and better homes for all those who currently live in Ham Close.

"To make this happen, the council is prepared to financially invest. Over the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to support and encourage RHP to deliver this important project."

The housing association's executive director of development Tim Willcocks said: "It was great to welcome over 100 people to this meeting and to share the latest news and progress from our side.

"We were met with lots of questions and high value feedback, all of which will be taken on board.

"We were particularly encouraged to hear more positive feedback from our customers who live at Ham Close and we look forward to sharing further updates with them and the wider community on a continued ongoing basis."

The next steps for the Ham Close regeneration involves selecting the final contractor which should happen by spring 2021.

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