Riviera Housing Trust has announced that it has chosen Sanctuary as its new partner to provide housing services in Torbay.

The Board of Riviera took the decision at the end of a four-month long consultation process which involved tenants, staff and independent advisors. Over 15 housing associations expressed an interest in merging with Riviera, but the final decision came down to a choice of just two.

The Chair of Riviera Housing Trust, James O’Dwyer, commented that Riviera were seeking a partner that had both the financial capacity to support them in building more new homes in the bay as well as the necessary central services and strategic fit to improve local services. They are confident that Sanctuary has everything they need to achieve these aims.

Key factors in Sanctuary’s successful bid included:

• Retention of Riviera’s local identity
• Support for Riviera to complete its redevelopment of pre-cast reinforced concrete properties
• Support for Riviera to achieve even higher levels of performance and customer satisfaction in service delivery
• Bringing financial stability, strength and expertise to support Riviera in its work with local communities.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to further expand our activities in the south west and look forward to working closely with Riviera staff to improve services and develop new homes in the region.

Work will now begin on finalising the contracts and it is hoped that the process will be completed by April 2009.