Neighbours living at a newly-built council estate have opened up about life at their 'small paradise' in Bulwell. Families enjoy living in Aldgate Close so much that they welcomed Nottinghamshire Live for a tour.
Robert Woodhead Ltd was contracted to build 13 houses on behalf of Nottingham City Homes and Nottingham City Council, the development having transformed the site of a former care home.
Built off Centenary Close in a nod to 100 years of council housing in Nottingham, the project was completed in 2020. It was reported at the time that the 13 houses had all been let to people within the Bulwell community.
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Jide Fashola moved in back in 2020, just before the pandemic hit. Moving to the house with his partner and two children helped him go through lockdown, he said.
Mr Fashola, 28, said: "I lived in council houses before and I had to paint the walls and it was not the best. But this is something completely different. It was already painted and brand-new so all I had to do was move my stuff and that was it, really."
He works as a facility operator at the Queen's Medical Centre and never took a day off during the pandemic, he said. "It was difficult but I feel like living here really helped us go through it all. It is like a small paradise.
"I thought about moving to Manchester so I started to look for houses there. But then I found this house and absolutely loved it. I am not leaving anytime soon. I am thinking about buying it."
It is not just the property itself that stole his heart but also the community and accessibility to schools and shops in the area. Mr Fashola said that "everything is on your doorstep".
The neighbours all know each other, and they are mostly young parents in their 20s and 30s with children. Outside the new homes there is a closed outdoor area where the children play, and where a tree swing has been installed by one of the neighbours.
Caroline Chaweresa, a mum of two in Bulwell, agreed and said that the area resembled a "small paradise". She added: "Everyone here has children and they have all become friends. It is like a small, friendly community here.
"All the children play at the trees, and a neighbour even put a swing [up]. They absolutely love it." The 28-year-old added: "My neighbours sometimes look after my son when he is out playing with their children. We all have a strong bond."
She let Nottinghamshire Live inside the house, proudly showing us around the two bedroom property. The house has a toilet downstairs, a living room, a dining area and kitchen. It also has a generous garden where Ms Chaweresa was planning a barbecue.
Upstairs, the property has two bedrooms, including a storage room and a bathroom. "The quality is great for the price," she added. The £2million development has created six two-bed, five three-bed and two four-bed properties. Rent prices range from £115 to £139 per week and all 13 properties have been rented to tenants.
But, most importantly, Ms Chaweresa said she loved the friendly community and the benefit of living a five minute walk away from the nearest shop. "There are also nurseries and schools around here, so parents are spoilt for choice," she added. "It is like a small paradise in Bulwell."
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