PlaceShapers welcomes FGCH as a new member
26 October 2025
FGCH has always been a place-shaper and so it is sensible for us to share that commonality with like-minded organisations by joining PlaceShapers.
PlaceShapers proudly welcomes First Garden Cities Homes to its national network of place-shaping housing organisations.
John Welch, Chief Executive of FGCH, said: “We provide homes for over 2000 households across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire as well as many services and facilities to support our communities to thrive.
“We formed in 2020 to amalgamate and build on the legacy of Howard Cottage Housing Association and Welwyn Garden City Housing Association who share a combined 170 year history of providing homes and services to local people.
“Both also shared a connection with the Garden City movement which continues to influence strategy today to ensure FGCH retains a strong, independent outlook that allows us to be an organisation that is able to bring uniqueness. We will continue to do the things that make a positive impact and will not compromise these principles by doing things that don’t.
“FGCH has always been a place-shaper and so it is sensible for us to share that commonality with like-minded organisations by joining PlaceShapers.”
Matthew Walker, PlaceShapers Chair and Chief Executive of Leeds Federated Housing, said: “Our members are ambitious for their communities, committed to long-term solutions, united in our purpose, and firmly in it for the long-term.
“What unites every member is a commitment to place and a commitment to learn. We always welcome applications from organisations who can demonstrate a strategic commitment to place-shaping and a keenness to learn and collaborate. We are looking forward to adding to the diversity of our membership through FGCH with its rich heritage in the Garden City movement.”
Membership is agreed by the PlaceShapers Board of nine chief executives representing the diversity of our membership.
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Has a long-standing commitment to the places it operates and how it strives to improve the social and economic resilience of the communities it works with.
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Puts residents and customers at the centre of what it does and ensures they have real influence on the organisation.
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Is locally focused and works actively with local authorities and local partners to improve and shape places at a strategic and operational level.
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Builds homes that respond to local housing needs and provides more than just landlord services because it cares about the people and places where it works.