Genesis at Stratford welcomes its first residents

Genesis Housing Association has welcomed over 70 Newham residents to their new homes at Stratford Halo. Set on doorstep of the Olympic Park, the brand new community will include one of the tallest residential towers in London.

The site has undergone a dramatic transformation since its days as an old soap factory. Over the last few years, Genesis and its partners Ardmore Construction have been working away to develop a mixture of homes on the 1.3 hectare site.

While many of the new residents – who have moved from Newham estates – were unpacking their belongings, Genesis staff, who are based at the development have met with the new residents to see what support they may need to sustain their tenancies. This is only one part of the interaction with residents, Genesis will also be offering the new residents the chance to get involved with a range of projects from employment training and grants for those who want to set up their own businesses to debt advice and digital inclusion programmes for older residents. 

All of the new Stratford Halo residents will benefit from reduced heating bills thanks to the Olympic District Heating System which will be flowing underneath them.

Laura Ashby, her husband and three children were one of the first residents to move in and were presented with a bouquet of flowers as they arrived at their new three bedroom maisonette. Laura said: “We lived in a one bedroom flat in Newham and there are three children and both of us, so it was extremely cramped.

“Genesis has been amazing with the move. They’ve helped us anytime we’ve needed it and there have been no problems. If we had any issues that popped up they would have been there for us. I’m really excited about our new home, it’s wonderful. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Feargal Ward, Divisional Director at Genesis said: “As one of the largest social landlords in the country, Genesis is about much more than just building homes. We want to provide our residents with the highest quality services and equip them with the tools so they can build brighter futures for themselves. The Stratford Halo is a reflection of this aim and sums up how Genesis works. The residents will benefit from new homes and services as well being able to access any support they may need.”

While the new residents make themselves at home, work continues at a pace on the 43 Stratford Halo tower complete with sky gardens overlooking the surrounding Olympic site and waterway. 

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For more information contact Ben Ashmore, 0207 563 0298 or ben.ashmore@genesisha.org.uk

Genesis owns or manages homes across London and the south east for thousands of people. As one of the most diverse housing groups in the UK, Genesis’ main aim is to provide great services, great homes, great places and great opportunities for its customers.