A WOMAN has described her home as a “palace” after developers revamped her housing estate.

Cathy Fitzgerald and her neighbours in Repton Court and Claire House, Clayhall, moved into their new homes after developers completed the first phase of the estate’s regeneration project earlier this month.

Contracted by Swan Housing Association, developers NU Living have been working on the estate since September 2013, which they hope to see double in size by the end of the project.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “I’m delighted with my new home, it is so much better than my old one.

“It’s a real breath of fresh air, and like a palace – I love it.”

Phase one of the Repton Grove estate regeneration has seen 53 new one, two and three-bedroom flats and duplexes built.

Phase two will deliver 97 new homes, including houses, flats and duplexes complete with rooftop gardens overlooking Claybury Park towards Woodford Bridge.

To celebrate the completion of phase one, Redbridge Mayor Cllr Gurdial Bhamra helped residents seal a time capsule to be opened by new residents when they move to the estate.

Swan’s executive director of operations Sandra Fawcett said: “We are delighted that residents are so happy with their new homes.

“Working with Redbridge Council, we have provided new homes for residents and can offer many more much needed quality homes for local people.”

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Farah Hussain said: “We are very pleased that through our partnership with Swan Housing Association, residents are benefitting from high quality new homes.

“This development will also provide almost 100 much needed new homes in the borough, which is a priority for us and key to building a sustainable future for Redbridge.”