Two neighbouring housing associations have pledged to build 2,000 new homes by 2023 – as part of plans to merge.
From October, Housing Plus Group and Stafford and Rural Homes - which are both based in Stafford - will join forces to create a housing, care and property group for Staffordshire and Shropshire.
The combined group – which includes Severnside Housing and South Staffordshire Housing Association – will own and manage around 18,000 homes.
It will also provide employment and training for 800 local people – and boast an annual turnover of almost £100 million.
Now the group has committed to start work on the construction of 2,000 new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023.
It has also made a promise of 100 new apprenticeship places in the group and its supply chain within five years.
Sarah Boden – current chief executive at Housing Plus Group – has been appointed as designate chief executive of the new group.
She said: “The merger is a fantastic opportunity, which will bring long lasting benefits to our customers and local partners.
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“Joining together we will be stronger, more resilient and able to offer the best possible homes and services.
“We also expect to be able to deliver almost one-third more hours of care and support for older people who want to continue living independently, in their own homes.”
Alison Hadden – current chair of Stafford and Rural Homes – has been appointed chair designate of the combined group.
She said: “This is an exciting joining together of successful, neighbouring housing providers sharing very similar values and ambitions.
“The experience, skills, resources and energy of the combined group will make a fundamental difference to the lives of people and communities.”