New £23.6m affordable housing project in Sunderland
The scheme, spearheaded by North East housing association Thirteen Group, will see 96 new homes built off Amberley Street and Harrogate Street in Hendon in Sunderland.
The development, which is supported by Homes England, the North East Mayor, Sunderland City Council, and charity Back on the Map, will provide ‘much-needed’ affordable accommodation for the area.
The homes will consist of 75 two, three, and four-bedroom houses, and 21 two-bedroom bungalows, all available for rent.
Thirteen’s chief executive Matt Forrest said: “We’re excited to be providing much-needed affordable homes for people in Sunderland through the redevelopment of this key site.
“It’s been a long time in the making but all of the partners involved have shown an unwavering determination to help us make it happen, and we’re really grateful for their support.”
The North East Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund has contributed £1.9 million to the scheme.
The project follows the allocation of £4.8 million towards housing in the first phase of the city’s new Sheepfolds neighbourhood.
The government is also boosting the fund by a further £17 million, due to its success so far.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Everyone deserves a good home.
“That’s why I’m delighted we’re backing another housing development in Sunderland that will create high-quality, affordable new homes for local people.
“The redevelopment of both this site in Hendon, and the one at Sheepfolds, is a huge opportunity for the city to create a new lease of life in these areas. “
Michael Mordey, Sunderland City Council leader and Hendon ward councillor, said: “I’m delighted to see the start of work on these much-needed homes for social rent in the heart of Hendon.
“This site has stood empty for far too long, so it really is great to finally see the development start.”
Financial support for the development is also being provided by Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme.
Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing grants at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives.”
The construction project has been awarded to local contractor Esh Construction.
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Andy Radcliffe, Esh’s chief executive, said: “Alongside the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, we will engage within the local community by providing local employment, apprentice training, and procurement opportunities, and delivering award-winning school engagement initiatives to support the next generation into their future careers.”
Thirteen Group, which owns and manages over 36,000 homes in the North East, Humber, and Yorkshire regions, has recently achieved the highest possible ratings following an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing.
For more information about Thirteen’s developments and services, visit www.thirteengroup.co.uk.