Rooftop Housing Group supports Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities
In celebration of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month (GRTHM), Rooftop Housing Group has announced the development of a new 12-pitch site on Rosamund Close in Coventry, which is being delivered by Speller Metcalfe.
This initiative is part of Rooftop’s ongoing commitment to supporting Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities by providing housing and comprehensive services that foster inclusive, thriving communities.
The new Rosamund Close on Siskin Drive is a significant collaboration with Coventry City Council. Thanks to funding support from Homes England and Coventry City Council, Rooftop has transformed a derelict traveller site into a new site with 12 pitches, each including a parking area for two vehicles, a living pod with kitchen, bathroom and a back garden with a shed. There’s also a shared play area for children.
Boris Worrall, Group Chief Executive of Rooftop, who established he National Policy Advisory Panel on Gypsy and Traveller Housing (NPAP), emphasised the importance of providing culturally appropriate homes for the GRT community:
“I am proud of the work Rooftop has been doing for the GRT community, which too often remains suffers disadvantage and discrimination.
“As a housing provider, we have expertise in developing and managing sites for the GRT communities. We believe in creating home and communities where all people and families can thrive, regardless of their background or lifestyle.”
Rooftop Housing Group has a strong history of supporting GRT communities through various impactful projects. These include the refurbishment and extension of the caravan site at Houndsfield Lane in Wythall, and the development of an 11-pitch site at Gables Close in Solihull. Rooftop also manages seven additional pitches at Gables Close on behalf of Solihull Council, totalling 41 pitches across two sites.
Mark Eaton, Living Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We have a long-standing history of successful developments in partnership with Rooftop, and we’re delighted to see this extending into a wealth of different residential development. The Rosamund Close project will be a positive addition to Coventry, providing a purpose-fit site for the well-established Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.”
Speller Metcalfe has worked in partnership with Rooftop Housing Group for a number of years, which include providing much needed local housing at Almonry Close in Pershore (a live project), and Cleevelands in Bishop’s Cleeve.
The project at Rosamund Close is expected to welcome new GRT communities to site from the end of 2024.
