post

Following extensive improvement works to the Westwood shopping parade and the imminent completion of 16 new affordable homes, Cross Keys Homes (CKH) gathered with project partners this week for a celebration with a seasonal twist. Local residents were invited to enjoy an afternoon of festive activities at Hampton Court, with carols from the local youth group and Christmas craft sessions – as well as a visit from Father Christmas himself.

The project at Hampton Court, which began last year, was defined by community consultation during which CKH committed to invest in the wider area while the new homes were under construction. Improvements to the fascias of the shopping parade have included bespoke shutter artwork created by local artist Nathan Murdoch from Street Arts Hire. Each design showcases a different iconic Peterborough scene; the murals include Peterborough Cathedral, the Nene Valley Railway and Ferry Meadows. 

Artist, Nathan Murdoch, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed creating the shutter artwork using Peterborough landmarks and locations at the Westwood shopping centre.  It’s been a truly pleasant experience talking to the locals each day of all ages and how the artwork makes them feel and the stories they have from the locations we painted, we really have felt the spirit of the community.  We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to deliver such a project working with Cross Keys Homes and showcasing our city.”

Residents will shortly be moving into the new homes which received £829,600 grant funding from Homes England and are available as affordable rent and shared ownership.

Claire Higgins, Chief Executive of Cross Keys Homes, said: “Affordable homes like these are vitally important but still in short-supply, so it’s wonderful to think of the families that will be starting their New Year with a new home.”

“For us, building new homes is just part of the story though. We also want to invest in healthy, thriving communities and work with partners, like Burmor Construction, that share that community focus. Earlier this year we completed the refurbishment of the community basketball courts and are continuing to support the development of the community garden through the Westraven Big Local project. The new artwork on the shop shutters looks fantastic and really captures the community spirit that’s evident here in Westwood.”

CKH’s investment in the Westwood area will continue in the New Year as the WestRaven Community Garden is set to open new outdoor cooking facilities.