Happy 50th Birthday Arches

Happy 50th Birthday to Arches

2025 will see Arches Housing turn 50 and over the course of the next year we will be celebrating this milestone with numerous events and community days.

Since our creation back in 1975, we have prided ourselves on our connections with our communities and our customers alike. As part of our celebrations to mark our birthday, we will be interviewing a wide range of customers, staff members, Board members and partners to share their memories of working with and for Arches over the years.

You can read a new interview each week at the bottom of this page, as well as following our social media platforms where we will highlight our brand new interview for that week. We’re looking forward to sharing our stories and celebrating our 50^th anniversary together.

Burngreave Road before

Burngreave Road from the side

Burngreave Road now

An Arches at 50 interview:

“Being surrounded by supportive people, makes working at Arches special”

Kirsty first joined Arches Housing on a fixed-term contract as a Housing Officer. What began as a temporary role soon became the start of a much bigger journey. She quickly realised that she wanted to build a lasting career with the organisation and began exploring opportunities to stay on in a permanent capacity.

Her chance came when she was appointed as Resident Engagement and Communications Officer—a role that perfectly combined her passion for engaging with residents and her flair for creativity.

From managing social media channels to developing new ways of connecting with tenants, Kirsty has helped raise the profile of Arches Housing and ensured regular tenant engagement continued, and that the online presence regularly reaches out to tenants and collaborative partnerships in a bright and engaging way.

A key part of her role is working directly with residents through initiatives such as scrutiny groups and the Neighbourhood Network. “It is amazing to be part of a tenant-based community that works closely with myself and colleagues to make positive changes,” Kirsty explains. “Without tenant consultation, we wouldn’t be the rich tapestry of innovative methods and processes that Arches Housing is becoming.”

With a background in law and housing, Kirsty thrives in the busy, rewarding environment of Arches. She credits the organisation’s supportive culture for making her role especially fulfilling.

Kirsty passionately believes that building relationships with the communities around Arches will inevitably solidify the foundation of Arches core values and make sure that there is affordable housing for generations to come.

Reflecting on Arches Housing reaching its 50th anniversary, Kirsty adds:“Fifty years is an amazing achievement, but not a surprising one. Arches has always been led by innovators and inspirational leaders, and I can only see it going from strength to strength. The fact that colleagues old and new still return for celebrations speaks volumes about the special place Arches holds in people’s hearts. It truly is a jewel of South Yorkshire.”

Dates for your diary:

Read more Arches at 50 interviews

Arches Timeline:

Piccies from our Arches @50 launch event: