RESIDENTS are set to move into a state-of-the-art social housing development after it opened in Timperley.

Bowker Court, which takes it name from the late councillor Ray Bowker, is a block of 30 one and two-bedroom flats on Carrfield Avenue.

Built by Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust, the development is the first of its type to be built in Trafford for more than ten years.

Cllr Andrew Western, leader of the council, opened it alongside Cllr Bowker's wife, Hazel Bowker, and Trafford Housing Trust chief executive Larry Gold.

Messenger Newspapers: Bowker Court is a block of 30 one and two-bed flats.Bowker Court is a block of 30 one and two-bed flats.

Cllr Western said: "I am extremely proud to have helped to open these superb new social housing units – the first of many we plan to open this year as part of our commitment to help solve the social housing crisis.

"This scheme is in a fantastic location and will go some way to meeting the huge demand for social housing.

"Trafford, like many others, is desperately short of new homes that people can afford to live in and providing them will always be a priority for the council.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to officers and members from the council and colleagues from Trafford Housing Trust for all their hard work."

Messenger Newspapers: Ray Bowker.Ray Bowker.

A lifetime resident of Timperley, Cllr Bowker died in January 2020. Some 18 years before, he had been awarded an MBE for services to the community.

And as Mayor of Trafford in 2000, he raised more than £70,000 for charities Trafford Crossroads and Trafford Young Carers Project.

After the opening of Bowker Court, Mrs Bowker said: “The day was very emotional, and I am so proud that this social housing has been named after Ray.

"My husband was extremely passionate about social housing and was involved in this scheme from the very start, working closely with council officers and Trafford Housing Trust. Thank you very much to everyone involved – Ray would have been very honoured today.”

Mr Gold added: "Bowker Court is a prime example of what great social housing should look like, and I am incredibly proud to take part in opening the building and delighted that Hazel was able to cut the ribbon. Ray was a great supporter of this development as well as a former board member of Trafford Housing Trust and – as chair of governors at Broomwood Primary School – a real force for good in the community.

“Trafford Housing Trust is committed to tackling the housing crisis, and these new socially rented properties are a great example of how we are achieving that ambition, with much more to come.”

As well as 30 one and two-bedroom flats, Bowker Court also includes 30 spaces for bicycles and 40 spaces for cars. It is electric powered and triple glazed, making it low energy and sustainable.