Malabar Coast of their orientation to the sea and to maritime commerce, the Malabar coast cities feel very cosmopolitan, and has been home to some of the first groups of Jews, Syrian Christians, Muslims and Anglo-Indians in India. During Ming China's treasure voyages in the early 15th century, Admiral Zheng He's fleet often landed at the Malabar Coast. Soon after, Vasco da Gama landed near Calicut in 1498, establishing a sea route between India and Europe. Portugal became the first of several European maritime empires to grow rich from the spice trade with this area. The Malabar Coast is repeatedly referenced in
Coast & Country Housing Limited and Middlesbrough. Coast & Country, is investing £1.5 million in making nearly 100 homes more energy efficient and economical to run. Three blocks, comprising 72 flats, at Barley Hill Close, Normanby, are to undergo a series of environmental improvement work. This will include external wall insulation, new windows, new roof coverings and solar panels, which will power the lifts and lights in the communal areas and the installation of one communal satellite dish. Another block of flats, Spencerbeck House, taken over by Coast & Country Housing in 2002, had only undergone minimal internal work since it was built three decades