Building work starts on 120 new homes in Wolsingham
Bellway Durham has started construction at the site of the old Weardale Steelworks in Wolsingham, paving the way for 120 new homes.
Built on the 13.7-acre site off Durham Road, the development, termed The Old Foundry, promises to provide a mix of homeownership schemes.
Out of the 120 new homes, 108 will be sold privately, while the remaining 12 will be affordable homes available through shared ownership or affordable rent.
The team with a plan of the new development (from left) commercial director Chris Forshaw, head of sales Christie Edge and managing director Frank Lincoln (Image: Bellway)
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key personnel from Bellway Durham, including managing director Frank Lincoln, head of sales Christie Edge, head of construction Daniel Ferguson, and commercial director Chris Forshaw.
Ms Edge said: “The groundbreaking ceremony marked an important milestone at The Old Foundry, signalling the start of the construction process to transform this disused former industrial site into a vibrant new neighbourhood.
“We are looking forward to progressing with our plans to deliver a collection of two- to five-bedroom houses and a number of two-bedroom bungalows, designed to meet local housing needs.”
Aimed at reducing living costs for prospective residents, energy-efficient homes fitted with PV solar panels and electric vehicle charging points will be built on the site.
Ms Edge added: “These high-quality, energy-efficient homes will be fitted with PV solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, helping new residents minimise both their energy bills and their carbon footprint.”
The location and variety of housing options are expected to generate significant interest in the development.
In accordance with the planning agreement for The Old Foundry, Bellway Durham will also invest ยฃ234,000 to aid in the improvement of local infrastructure.
Ms Edge said: “This regeneration project will create a new community on the site, and by naming it The Old Foundry, we are paying tribute to its heritage.”
A number of homes at The Old Foundry are already on the market.
The developer has plans to showcase its show homes in the summer and intends to hand over the first keys to residents by the autumn.
They anticipate welcoming visitors to the development later this year.
For more information about The Old Foundry, call the sales team on 01388 300346, or visit Weardale Property Services from 10am to 5pm Thursday to Monday.