Tolent reach new heights with £4.5 million Whitburn development

Contractor Tolent celebrated a new milestone recently as their latest development — a three-storey independent living facility based in Whitburn, South Tyneside — reached its highest point.

The contractor held a topping out ceremony earlier this week to mark the achievement, which was attended by some key team members from Tolent, South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust (STHVT), and South Tyneside Council.

Whitburn Towers is the latest scheme for STHVT, which will provide independent living to over 55s in the local area and replace a previous sheltered accommodation facility that was demolished back in 2017.

Once completed, the £4.5 million social housing development will provide 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments for people aged over 55.

Tolent is working in partnership with STHVT, South Tyneside Homes, and Homes England to deliver the project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2020.

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, commented: “It’s always rewarding to know that we’re contributing to something hugely positive and needed by the local community, creating high quality homes that will be here for many years to come.

“With over 35 years’ experience within housing and over 5,000 homes built across the North East alone, this is another fantastic example of our experience within this sector and we’ll look forward to handing this scheme over next year.”

Peter Davidson, chair of South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust, said: “The project is on time, on budget and importantly our development relationship with Tolent has been excellent, with good communication and cooperation throughout. We have endeavoured to incorporate suggestions from all interested parties to provide accommodation of the highest order.

“The Board of South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust are appreciative of the financial support we have received from South Tyneside Council and Homes England on this development and expect these high-quality social housing apartments to be available to let from May 2020.”

Tolent is also currently on site in Durham, where they’re working to deliver the new £84.5 million Milburngate development, and at Hadrian’s Tower, which will be Newcastle’s tallest once completed.