Background
Tung Sing was founded in 1984 by a group of Chinese professionals who wanted to redress the disadvantages of the Chinese community in obtaining good quality housing at affordable rent levels. It was the first Chinese housing association in Britain.
Tung Sing's primary purpose is to provide high quality housing for rent and shared ownership in Manchester and Trafford. Tung Sing also provides many community based support and consultation services with specialisms in equality and diversity policy and best practice.
Project
The Seddon Group has worked on five developments to date with Tung Sing at Otter Drive, Fairy Lane, Derby Street and Jameson Close. The scheme at Fairy Lane was recently awarded a 'Built in Quality' award from Manchester city council, in recognition of the high standards achieved in the build.
As a Chinese housing association, there are certain challenges and considerations when it comes to design. For example the numbers 4 and 13 are considered unlucky, so these are never used as house numbers. Some properties have Chinese influences in terms of design and colour schemes.
Because Chinese families often have more than one generation living in the same house, a number of the schemes feature houses with four double bedrooms. They also adhere to 'Lifetime Home Standards', with features such as a downstairs shower facility. This means that as tenants get older there is no need to modify properties.
Endorsement
"We operate in a true partnership with Seddon. This allows us to work closely with them, and because of this they really understand our business. They are familar with our ways of working and this makes things run very smoothly. We have a very open and honest relationship, and feel that the standard and quality of Seddon's workmanship is very good."
Nigel Mallion, Head of Property Services from Tung Sing