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Students from The Joseph Rowntree School visited the Willow Bank development next to their school, to see how the new neighbourhood they helped name is taking shape.
Six students from years 8 and 10 toured the site on Thursday 22 October, where they met senior representatives from the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) and Esh Construction including Julian Hartley JRHT CEO and Rich Thomas, Director of Assets & investments. They also saw visuals and floorplans of the new homes.
The visit is the latest stage in a project that has given local young people a real say in the future of their community, first by choosing street names and then by naming the new house types.
Rosie Johns, Pastoral Manager of year 8 said “The entire experience from the street naming to the ceremony has been so inclusive, exciting and valuable. We welcome the partnership between JRHT and the Joseph Rowntree School as one community working for families and the next generation.”
Rose, year 8 student said “the workshop was really entertaining, and it was nice to feel part of the new development.”
Naming the house types
In May, Year 8 students took part in a competition to name the house types at Willow Bank. A panel including four members of the JRHT Sales Team judged the 87 entries.
The winning names are:
• The Burrow – Annabelle
• The Dam, The Den & The Hideout – Riley
• The Nest – Talia
Naming the streets
Earlier this year, year 10 students took part in a creative workshop at the Folk Hall, where they were challenged to come up with street names inspired by the history, character and natural environment of New Earswick.
After exploring ideas and learning more about the street-naming process, they came up with a range of imaginative suggestions.
The sales team from JRHT selected five names, which have been submitted to City of York Council for approval. The names were created by Jesse, Rose, Alessandro and Poppy, who were presented with prizes in recognition of their contribution.
“It was a pleasure to meet the students who named Willow Bank’s streets and house types, and to show them how the homes are taking shape next to their school,” said Rich Thomas, Director of Assets and Investments at JRHT. “Their ideas will be part of this neighbourhood for years to come, long after the building work is finished.”
Willow Bank will provide 117 new homes for social rent and shared ownership. Being built by Esh Construction, it will be a sustainable new neighbourhood that builds on the heritage of New Earswick while meeting local housing needs.
Megan Simpson, Social Value Manager, Esh Construction said "At Esh Construction, we are committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we are working in. It's been great to work alongside JRHT to get students from The Joseph Rowntree School involved, who now leave their mark on the development's history."
As Willow Bank takes shape, the students’ ideas are already part of its story. When the first residents move in, they will be living on streets and in homes named by young people from the community next door.