Optivo and Southern complete merger to create 77,000-home group

The boards of the two legacy organisations then announced in October that they had agreed to proceed.

At the same time they revealed that the former head of Southern, Alan Townshend, who had been due to take up the role of deputy chief executive at the new organisation, would step down once the merger was finalised. 

Commenting on the completion of the partnership, Mr Hackett said that the merger was intended to differ from “those that have gone before”.

“Yes, we’ll be a larger organisation with 77,000 homes,” he said. “But – by virtue of our similar geographies – we’ll also become more local.

“Consolidating our stock, colleagues and services means we’ll deepen ties in our key communities. Our denser footprint also means we’ll be a bigger, more strategic presence in more local authorities. We’ll use that status to increase our social impact, whether that be developing new homes for those in housing need or investing in the health, wealth and well-being of our residents.”

He added:  “Residents will be at the heart of the new association.”

Mr Hackett said that the recent economic downturn had “only strengthened [his resolve] to bring the two organisations together”, echoing comments he previously made to Social Housing.

Sir Peter Dixon, chair of Southern Housing’s board, said: “Our residents are at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. We’ll use our improved financial resilience to enhance services at a time when many will be seeking to make cutbacks.

“That starts with getting the basics right – most of all repairs – but it will also mean increasing investment in digital services to modernise and streamline how we interact with residents. I’m looking forward to working alongside residents and colleagues to make this merger a resounding success.”