Affordable housing initiative Gets Renamed After Nottingham's Windrush Heroes

Manning Street in Nottingham is now home to a significant new development, a £4.7m housing project that was opened this week. Named after two trailblazers from the Windrush generation, Des Wilson and Tony Robinson, the development consists of 17 houses and 11 flats, all of which are already tenanted.

At the helm of the project is Tuntum Housing Association, an independent BME-led housing association founded in 1988 by community activists and professionals from Nottingham's black community. Richard Renwick MBE, the former Chief Executive of Tuntum Housing Association, brings extensive experience in social housing, management consulting, and voluntary sector leadership roles to this project.

Nottingham Community Housing Association is the lead delivery partner for the development, working in partnership with Homes England. Homes England provided a £1.1 million grant subsidy for the project.

The founders of Tuntum aimed to help build social capital, demonstrate black community self-help, and create economic opportunities. They were motivated by the desire to correct inequality in housing provision, a mission that continues to drive Tuntum today.

Tuntum specializes in housing services for older people, refugees, young mothers, people suffering with mental health difficulties, and homeless young people. Beyond housing, the organization delivers various initiatives, including the Nottingham Carnival, Refugee Futures, Headwize, and staff-led 'Social Value' days.

Junior Hemans, Tuntum Chair, stated that this housing project is a proud and historic moment for the organization. The development also honours the first black Lord Mayor of Nottingham with a street named after him, further cementing its significance in the city's history.

Tony Robinson Close, named after the city's first black Sheriff, is also part of this development. The new homes stand as a tribute to the collective legacies of two trailblazers from the Windrush generation, ensuring their impact continues to be felt in the community.

The development is for affordable rent for individuals and families on low incomes, making it an important addition to the city's housing landscape. Located on Manning Street off Woodborough Road, it is a testament to the enduring spirit of community activism and the power of collaboration in creating positive change.