The completion of Colby Court is the latest milestone in the regeneration project, following the completion of Millfleet Court and Valentine Place, and sees work on 158 of the original 320 homes completed.

Eastern Daily Press: Colby Court. Picture: Paul TibbsColby Court. Picture: Paul Tibbs (Image: PAUL TIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY)

Freebridge Community Housing welcomed David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation to King's Lynn to celebrate.

Mr Orr was given the opportunity to take a look the work happening at Hillington Square, and took time out to meet some of the tenants who had recently moved into their new homes in Colby Court.

He was also shown the work that has just begun on phase four of the project, which should see a further 44 homes finished in early 2018.

Freebridge chief executive Tony Hall said: 'As an organisation we are tremendously proud of the work that we have completed at Hillington Square and the positive effect that the regeneration has had on the communities in and around the area.

'Today was a great opportunity for us to share that work with David, but also a chance to show him the plans that we continue to push forward with for the final phases of the project.'

Mr Orr said: 'I always enjoy seeing the things that Housing Associations do that make the places where people live better.

'Regeneration is about taking places like Hillington Square, where people were thrilled to live when they were first built, and making changes so that people are thrilled to live here once again.

'Seeing the work that Freebridge have done demonstrates the kind of difference that organisations that know and understand their communities can really make.

'Freebridge should be proud of what they've achieved.'

Freebridge unveiled plans for a £30m regeneration of the 1960s Hillington Square complex in 2011.

They were drawn up by designer turned social housing guru Wayne Hemingway, who spoke to residents about how they wopuld like to see the area evolve.

The 320-home estate, just off the town centre, was built between 1967 and 1971 following slum clearance and there was initially a waiting list of people wanting to move there.

But the block structures with their covered walkways became dated and less attractive over the years.