Rishi has celebrated the successful completion of an affordable housing project in the Yorkshire Dales.
The completion of the project in Bainbridge was marked with a gathering hosted by Upper Dales Community Land Trust (UDCLT) and North Star Housing Group, bringing together everyone who played a part in the scheme.
The £531,000 project, spearheaded by UDCLT in partnership with North Star Housing Group, transformed the derelict former Methodist chapel into two affordable homes, blending modern living with the building’s period features.
Rishi, who has supported the scheme from its inception, first visited the site in 2021 after the chapel’s closure as a place of worship. He returned to witness the start of building work earlier this year and this month returned again to present tenant Callum Spence with the keys to his new apartment.
Rishi said: "The chapel is an important part of Bainbridge’s history, and it is wonderful to see it brought back to life. Projects like this ensure that our local communities remain vibrant and sustainable, offering affordable homes for those who live and work in the Upper Dales.
“I am proud to have supported this initiative from the beginning and delighted to see the incredible result of everyone’s hard work. I wish Callum all the best in his new home.”
The UDCLT, a volunteer-led trust, acquired the historic chapel in November 2021 with the mission to create affordable housing for local people in the remote Upper Dales.
District and County Cllr Yvonne Peacock, who is also a trustee at UDCLT, said: “I was christened at the chapel and got married at this chapel. This building was always part of the community and now it will continue to serve the community providing homes for local people.”
The transformation of the former chapel was carried out by Richmond-based Randall Orchard Construction Ltd, with funding provided by the UDCLT, Homes England, the former Richmondshire District Council and North Star Housing Group, who managed the project and will oversee the ongoing tenancy of the flats.
