RESIDENTS are settling into their new homes in the city following the completion of an �18 million project by a housing association. The development of 67 one and two-bedroom apartments at Ellis House, in Charrington Place, off of Victoria Street, was bui

RESIDENTS are settling into their new homes in the city following the completion of an �18 million project by a housing association.

The development of 67 one and two-bedroom apartments at Ellis House, in Charrington Place, off of Victoria Street, was built by Linden Homes for Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association (Hightown).

The complex at the former St Albans City Station overflow car park is now home to 44 people nominated by St Albans district council's Choice Based Lettings Scheme and 13 key workers, who are renting the properties for intermediate rates designed to help the public service recruit and retain people locally.

Those with learning disabilities are renting a further 10 of the apartments at Ellis House, which the council and the Homes and Communities Agency contributed �5.7million towards.

The development has provided much needed affordable housing in the city on a brownfield site, which has significantly contributed to the local housing strategy.

Marking the completion of the project, the Mayor of St Albans Cllr Chris Oxley visited the site and said: "This is a substantial new and attractive development of affordable homes of which Hightown can be justifiably proud. With over 1,700 people on the housing waiting list and more looking for transfers, these homes contribute to meeting a real local need."

David Bogle, chief executive of Hightown, said the association was pleased to be able to provide the homes for local residents in partnership with the council.