The first batch of homes to be renovated under a regeneration scheme were finished and went up for sale in August 2009. Four former council-owned houses in Meir have been completed and are on the market priced between £42,500 and £87,000, on a shared ownership basis. The semi-detached, three-bedroom properties in Woodville Road are aimed at the first-time buyer market. They are part of a development of 20 to be revamped and upgraded on the street, with the aim of creating a new gateway into the estate. Renew North Staffordshire is working with Great Places Housing Group to transform the area with renovations, new-build homes, improvements to the road network and fresh community facilities. The 1930s properties have high-level insulation, contemporary design, new kitchens and bathrooms, and freshly rendered exteriors with wooden boarding. They also feature driveways and large newly-turfed gardens, while roofs have been re-tiled and interiors decorated to a high standard. The houses can be bought under the Government Home Buy shared ownership scheme. Residents can rent part of home and own part of it. Our picture shows the living room of one of the homes.