A home with transport
Case Study - Greg Penberthy - The Zone
Petrol prices have made the city centre location of The Zone even more attractive and, thanks to a Government housing initiative, Greg Penberthy can walk to his offices in Bristol each day, a 15 minute walk, which will reduce his carbon footprint on the world. When Greg needs a car to get out of town, he will make use of the car club, of which all residents at The Zone are members. They get the opportunity to use ‘pool cars’ which means that residents don’t need to own their own car.
“I wouldn’t have done it without New Futures”, said Greg, the day he picked up the keys to his new home. He had been sharing a flat with friends, which he enjoyed, but was looking forward to living alone and having his own space. Although it will be slightly more expensive for him initially than renting, he will enjoy the security of his future and being, in Greg’s own words, “master of my own domain”.
Greg moved to Bristol 4 years ago and registered on the Bristol housing list. It was through Bristol City Council that he heard about New Futures and visited the web site. “After that it was really easy”, he said. “I applied on line and received a great service from Carl Woodward and his staff.” Greg chose to use the services of an independent financial adviser from the New Futures approved panel to source his mortgage. “The process was quite stressful,” said Greg, “because the lender needed some information urgently. Carl did a lot of the chasing for me.”
Greg’s plan is to stay at The Zone for the long term and to eventually purchase more equity. His apartment has a spacious open plan kitchen/living/dining area with modern integral appliances, double bedroom and bathroom and is light and airy. Facilities at The Zone also include a residents’ gymnasium.
