TENANTS at a housing project in Ellesmere Port are celebrating after being shortlisted in a national competition which could see their homes given a hefty makeover.
The Forum Housing Association venue, Speak Ezy, has been shortlisted from hundreds of entries in a national community makeover competition and could be in line for the £10,000 prize, which is being provided by leading home improvement retailer Homebase.
But before the venue can win residents from across Ellemsere Port are being asked to submit their votes.
Young people’s services manager at Speak Ezy, Amy Butterworth, said: “Currently the outdoor space is in desperate need of a makeover. We are paying for an area that at the moment we don’t use because it is unsafe. We would love somewhere that we hold community events such as a big BBQ.”
Homebase launched the competition in conjunction with Home, the UK’s first dedicated home television channel, as part of a campaign aimed at transforming the nation.
Amy, who nominated Speak Ezy, said the venue is used to bring young people aged 16-25 who are accommodated and supported by Forum together and encourage them to become better citizens through activities and sessions. She added she thought the transformation would be a fantastic way to get the full use of the venue and provide an area to do more community work.
Brand controller at Homebase, Rebecca Brock, said: “Our aim has been to inspire people, show them how simple it is to improve their own spaces and give them the tools and advice they need to go and make anywhere a home.
"We have been transforming the nation, making over spaces like a train station platform, a park bench and a post box. Now we want to do the same for a community space to really provide inspiration for those who use it. We have received so many worthy entries it will be hard for the public to choose.”
To vote go to www.lovehome.co.uk/ transform before the deadline on May 19. The winning project will be announced online on 23 May and construction should begin by early June.