Pair currently manage around 13,500 across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas
Hertfordshire-based housing associations Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing (WCH) have agreed to merge on 1 June 2026.
The merger, which will create a 13,500-home entity, was approved by the boards of both organisations following customer consultation.
Hattie Llewelyn-Davies, designate chair for the new landlord, said: “Uniting our two organisations gives us the scale and stability to meet the challenges facing social housing today. Residents have been clear about their priorities, and this merger enables us to deliver them with pace and ambition.
“We are creating an organisation with strong local roots, a clear social purpose and the capacity to provide high-quality homes and services for the long term.”
Llewelyn-Davies previously chaired PA Housing and Viridian Housing and was chief executive of Shepherds Bush Housing Group.
Thrive’s current boss, Paul Richmond, has been selected as chief executive designate. He has also previously served as deputy chief executive at WCH.
The landlords have said work is now underway to bring the two organisations together.
They have made several promises to residents as the merger goes ahead, insisting that it will not affect rent levels. It also committed to increasing customer-facing staff and retaining local bases.
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