Since the stock transfer ballot in December 2006 – when tenants voted in favour of transferring to Hyde and the Metropolitan Housing Trust (MHP) jointly – plenty of work has gone into completing the transfer so that the investment programme can begin.

Hyde and MHP have worked in partnership on Roundshaw through Roundshaw Homes since 1996.

Hyde and MHP already jointly own the new-build homes on the estate which form part of a £100 million development programme involving the demolition of old and unpopular parts of the estate, replacing them with 1,200 new homes.

The transferred stock consists of 601 dwellings which Roundshaw Homes has managed under contract since 2000.

Officers from Hyde and MHP have worked with Sutton Council, the Housing Corporation and the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure the transfer of homes was carried out in the shortest period of time. This resulted in the actual stock transferring to Hyde and MHP on 16 April 2007.

Roundshaw Homes can now begin a large investment programme on the transferred homes. This will take place over the next three years and will take tenants’ homes and surrounding areas beyond the government’s Decent Homes Standard.

This initial investment is supported by a 30-year business plan, which will ensure that tenants’ homes, communal areas and the local environment will be maintained to a high standard.

The improvement programme includes new kitchens and bathrooms for tenants’ homes as well as better security, community development initiatives and an improved local environment.

Hyde and MHP will also tackle any antisocial behaviour on the estate and will work with the Roundshaw Community Board and other residents’ groups to increase resident participation.

The transfer means that the Roundshaw Homes office in the heart of the estate will stay, and tenants will continue to receive the local housing service they value so highly.