New £5.5m affordable housing scheme in Sunderland takes a step closer to home

A new housing development of more than 40 affordable homes for rent in Fence Houses is paving the way to commence work on the final plots.

Brockwell Green is being delivered by contractor Tolent, on behalf of Gentoo and in partnership with Homes England and includes a mix of 49 two and three-bedroom homes as well as two-bedroom bungalows.

Since starting on site last year, seven families are already living on the development including one resident that has benefited from a bespoke bungalow design to meet their needs and another 25 homes will be ready to move into over the coming months.

The final 17 plots under construction will be ready for handover when the scheme finishes early next year.

Ian Avis, construction manager for Tolent, said: “The development looks fantastic and feedback so far from those living on site has been really positive, reflecting the high quality standards we uphold across all of our developments.

“As a considerate contractor, it’s also been great to see the added value brought to the local community from this scheme, including the £20,000 donated to local schools and colleges last year, and 26 properties in the nearby estate where we have replaced old and tired fencing, helping to improve the wider area. A brilliant effort from all those involved.”

Brockwell Green pays homage to the areas local mining heritage, named after a pit line in at the former Houghton Colliery.

Joanne Gordon, development director at Gentoo Group, said: “Brockwell Green is one of the flagship developments of our major commitment to build hundreds of high-quality new homes for rent in Sunderland and we’re absolutely delighted to now have tenants living on site in these new homes.

“Working with Tolent over the past year, this development has not only created vital new homes but is having a positive and lasting impact on the local area, something we’re really proud of and are striving to continue over the final stages of the scheme.

The new homes come ahead of the Sunderland-based housing associations planned £117 million investment into affordable homes in the city, with ambitious plans set to see 900 additional homes for affordable rent brought to Sunderland by 2024.

To find out more about Tolent visit www.tolent.co.uk