BME specialist to merge with Leicester landlord

Asra Greater London Housing Association is set to link up with Leicester Housing Association.

The new group will manage 11,000 homes across the East and South Midlands, Greater London and the South-east. It will have a turnover of about £35m.

A spokesman for Asra Greater London refused to rule out redundancies as a result of the merger. “It’s too early to make such decisions,” he said.

Atul Patel, chief executive of Asra Greater London, said: “Leicester Housing Association brings an unrivalled track record in regeneration and a strong corporate base. Asra is one of the top 40 developing associations in the country. By pooling our skills, experience and resources, we’ll be entering a different league.”

By pooling our skills, experience and resources, we'll
be entering a different league

Atul Patel, Asra Greater London

David Seviour, group chief executive of Leicester, said the merger would allow the associations to meet “the expectations of our customers effectively and efficiently, by taking full advantage of economies of scale”.

Asra Greater London, a Housing Corporation development partner, manages 3000 homes in London and the Home Counties. About 70% of its stock is general-needs housing, with the remaining 30% being specialist accommodation aimed at Asian communities.

Leicester manages 8000 homes in the East and South Midlands. It provides management services to four BME housing co-operatives in Leicester.