Residents will soon be moving into their brand-new council apartments in Clifton.
The 36 one-bedroom apartments, which are in high demand in the area, will go to people on Nottingham’s council house waiting list.
The flats, owned by Nottingham City Council, have been built on the former Southchurch garages site, off Hamilton Court and have been named after a popular soldier who tragically died in the line of duty 13 years ago.
Kieron Hill was 20 years old when he died following an explosion in Afghanistan in May 2009. Originally from Clifton, Kieron had served in the Armed Forces since he was 16 and was well-loved in his local community.
The new apartments will have a special dedication plaque to Kieron and will be known as Kieron Hill Court.
Kieron’s dad Daryl Mitchell and his mum, Vicki Holmes helped unveil a dedication plaque and officially opened the building at a ribbon cutting event. Vicki said “As a bereaved parent it is most important to try and keep a child’s memory alive and what better way than having his name on this lovely new building. When we were first told about it, I remember crying floods of tears because it is, it’s just such an honour to have this building named after him.”
Speaking at the opening event, Daryl, Kieron’s dad said: “It’s an absolute privilege, honour and so emotional to see it all finally and we’ve had a tour around and the rooms are stunning.”
Nottingham City Council has worked with Nottingham City Homes and construction partner GEDA to build these new homes, which are the latest in the Building a Better Nottingham developments in the city. So far, the Build a Better Nottingham programme has enabled nearly 700 new council homes to be built for local people, with more expected over the next few years.
Cllr Toby Neal, Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Housing and Human Resources at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are very proud to be able to name this development after Kieron, who tragically lost his life serving in the Armed Forces. Kieron called Clifton home and was such a popular young man in the area until his tragic death.
Speaking about the new apartments, Cllr Neal continued: “Nottingham needs a good mixture of housing and there is high demand for homes for singles and couples in Clifton, these one-bedroom apartments for affordable rent will help meet the needs of these local people waiting for a home.”
Steve Feast, Director of Transition at Nottingham City Homes, said: “These flats are a fantastic asset to Clifton, and we look forward to welcoming tenants as they move in and enjoy their new homes in time for Christmas.”