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Housing associations agree merger to create 3,000-home group after a year of talks
Two Bristol-based housing associations have agreed to merge after nearly a year of talks. The organisations pledge to invest £10m in improving tenants’ homes and services.
Solon South West Association and United Communities announced today that they have entered into a strategic alliance with a view to complete a full merger by next spring. The tie-up would create a 3,100-home organisation.
The merged group has also committed to having “at least” one resident on its board, as well as “community representatives” across the areas it operates.
The associations, which manage homes in and around Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Swindon, have been considering a merger since last November and a residents’ consultation was concluded last month.
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Around 160 people responded to the consultation and the “majority” voted in favour of a merger, the groups said.
James Taylor, chair of 1,800-home United Communities, said: “We are delighted our residents have shown that they share our vision for the future by backing our plans to merge with Solon South West.”
United Communities was formed from a merger of United Housing Association and Bristol Community Housing Association in 2017.
If the merger goes ahead, the associations plan to spend £10m over five years on improvements to their housing stock and services. United Communities’ plans to build 500 new affordable homes in Bristol by 2022 will also go ahead.
Measures to help tenants will include more money spent on tackling anti-social behaviour, improving communal areas and an annual programme of energy efficiency improvements, the organisations said.
They also pledged a “commitment to equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation”.
Graham Oliver, chair of Solon said: “We have listened carefully to what our residents have said throughout the consultation process.
“We are ready to take action, and our new resident panel will ensure they play a key role in decision-making to ensure their voices are heard.”
Anna Klimczak, currently interim chief executive of United Communities, has been appointed as joint chief executive to lead the two associations into the merger. Mr Taylor will act as joint chair.
Ms Klimczak stepped up to the chief executive role at United Communities after previous boss Oona Goldsworthy left last year after 16 years.
The newly merged group, which will get a new name, will be based at United Communities’ current office in Eastville, Bristol.
