The issue of what will happen beyond the life of the HAT, which was wound up in March 2005, was addressed from the outset. As a result a number of ‘successor’ organisations were set up by the HAT to carry on with some of the key areas of the HAT’s work and service the needs of the community well beyond the HAT’s life. Successor organisations include:
CVCHA
Castle Vale Community Housing Association (CVCHA), a community based housing association, was set up in 1997 to manage homes developed by the HAT's housing association partners. It has over 2,000 homes and is run by a Board of 16 members of which half are residents, as well as TRA nominees. CVCHA has reviewed some of its housing management policies in tandem with the HAT to provide tenants living in Castle Vale with a more streamlined housing management service. CVCHA is based at the Sanctuary and employs 70 members of staff, reflecting rapid growth. Following on from the landlord ballot in October 2003, CVCHA took over 98% of HATs housing stock in October 2004; whilst 2% returned to Birmingham City Council. For futher information click here.
Merlin Venture Ltd - a Community Development Trust for Castle Vale
The TRA has worked with the HAT to set up a Community Development Trust called Merlin Venture Ltd . Its first focus is on employment and training, largely to encourage local job creation. Merlin has TRA representatives on its Board to serve the interests of the community. Merlin has so far supported four businesses. Tiggy Winkles Day Nursery, landscapers 'Vale Scape', a community transport bus service and a Tenant Decorator service developed with the HAT and Mercian Housing Association. In addition Merlin operates as an employment business supporting people and matching their skills to the right jobs. For futher information click here.
Castle Vale Community Care Partnership (CVCCP)
Set up in 1999, CVCCP runs the Sanctuary building which houses health and social welfare organisations. The Sanctuary building is now managed by CVCHA.
Community Fund
Set up for the community to support worthy causes. The fund has provided over £47,440 in support of 74 community projects, including:
Castle Vale Credit Union
The Credit Union was established to ensure residents of Castle Vale would have access to savings accounts and affordable loans. It was developed by a steering group consisting of resident volunteers, HAT staff and representatives of Birmingham Credit Union Development Agency (BCUDA). The Credit Union works within three schools in Castle Vale and has set up a Junior Credit Union. The credit union has 281 junior members, 380 adult members and 3 collection points across Castle Vale. There are a variety of special offers available for members including discount childcare vouchers at the Leisure Centre and money off many of the community arts events. Plans are in progress to merge the Credit Union with Erdington, Kingstanding and Sutton Coldfield Credit Union and will be renamed North Birmingham Credit Union. For more information click here.
Castle Vale Community Environmental Trust (CVCET)
Set up in 1999 to involve residents in ensuring a healthy environmental future for Castle Vale. For more information click here.
HAT tenants and leaseholders voted for their future landlord in October 2003, the choice was between CVCHA and Birmingham City Council. The ballot saw an 84% turnout, of which 98% voted for CVCHA as their preferred choice.
