Trafford Council and Simple Life Homes join forces to boost biodiversity in homes project

Trafford Council is continuing to deliver on its commitment to provide more homes in the borough.

The Council has teamed up with Sigma’s Simple Life Homes to build 98 build-to-rent properties as part of the development at Millbank Lock, Partington.

Simple Life is the leading provider of BTR (build to rent) single family housing in the UK and with a heritage in regeneration, they take pride in their neighbourhoods and how they integrate with the wider local community.

The project, which is due to be completed in 2026, supports two of the Council’s main corporate priorities – supporting people out of poverty and addressing the climate crisis.

As part of the company’s commitment to community engagement, a biodiversity wellbeing garden and outdoor green space is being enhanced at the nearby Our Lady and Lourdes Catholic Primary school in memory of Mrs Moran, a teaching assistant who died in October 2023. Children from Year 3 to Year 6 have been planning what they would like in the garden with planting due to be carried out in the spring. The project is being facilitated by Sigma Capital Group and funded by The PRS REIT plc (the investor behind the Simple Life homes at Millbank Lock).

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Advice, said: “Trafford Council is totally committed to proving more homes across the borough and this project is one of a number currently underway. We are also thrilled to be working in partnership with Sigma and Simple Life Homes to bring to life a biodiversity wellbeing green space. The project aligns with several of Trafford Council’s priorities of reducing health inequalities and addressing our climate crisis and will ensure that staff and pupils have access to an outdoor space which will improve overall wellbeing for years to come.

“As a local authority we believe that such cross-sector community partnership engagement is crucial to achieving the borough’s priorities for local people and places, as we aim to make a significant and positive difference in many lives. We hope this biodiversity project will be the first of many across the borough, demonstrating the power of collaboration. By business and community partners working together, we can accomplish great things.”

Niamh Waldron, ESG Director for Sigma Capital and Simple Life Homes said: “We are delighted to be working with Trafford Council on the building of these new homes and super excited to begin our biodiversity project with the staff and young people at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary. Their enthusiasm, engagement and care for the project is very special and inspiring to see. Such community engagement is extremely important to us as a business, as we strive to make a positive impact and meaningful difference to the lives of many.

“I very much hope that this project will be the first of many with schools and communities in which we operate across the country, illustrating the power of people working together. Together we can achieve so much.”

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