Barratt makes community a priority in Southampton
As regeneration becomes a reality on one of Southampton’s largest housing estates, one national housebuilder is making sure that local residents are listened to above the background noise of construction.
Breaking the mould is Barratt Southampton, based in Hedge End, which has just appointed a community liaison manager. Fifty year old Anthony “Dee” Dimmick is already making a big impact at Hinkler Place in Thornhill where Barratt has been selected by Southampton City Council to work on the £15m regeneration programme there.
‘Dee,’ as he is known by everyone, is essentially a ‘go between’ – making sure that if local residents at Hinkler Place have any queries or need anything fixing then he’s the man to make it happen.
“For example we had some trouble with young lads getting into the construction area and potentially causing trouble,’’ said Dee. Local residents told me and we adjusted the CCTV cameras and the very next night we were able to see precisely what was going on. We gave the tapes to the police.”
In addition to being another pair of “eyes and ears” in the community, new jobs have been created by Barratt and Dee has visited local schools to educate youngsters on the dangers of playing on building sites.
“Dee is doing a brilliant job,” said Trixie Neilson, chair of Thornhill Plus You and Thornhill Community Association. “He’s always at the end of a mobile and I think it’s a genuine example of Barratt putting its money where its mouth is. It has always said the local community is a priority and it has delivered on every level. The affordable homes particularly are creating a lot of interest.”
Dee has a formidable track record. A Hampshire man through and through he joined the army at 16 and served with honour in the Falklands Conflict where he was a raft commander. After completing 22 years service – “I loved every minute” – he began a new career in civilian life in health and safety before eventually joining Barratt.
Appointing Dee as the company’s first community liaison manager was an obvious choice for Barratt Southampton managing director Ian Wallace: “I think Dee’s credentials and experience speaks for itself. At Barratt we’re looking to break the mould. Working with local residents is absolutely essential and something in which we take great pride. All the feedback we have points to Dee doing a terrific job.”
Once complete, Hinkler Place will consist of 106 new homes with 30 per cent meeting Southampton City Council’s Family Homes policy. The regeneration will also include five new retail units and a community centre. Sales are expected to start in September 2010. For more information visit: barratthomes.co.uk/hinklerplace