Work begins on £6.9 million housing development scheme from Newcastle City Council

A £6.9 million housing scheme from Newcastle City Council to build 46 affordable homes in the city has now broken ground.

The development is spread across two sites: Hartburn Walk and Reestones Place, both in Kenton, and will offer a mix of bungalows, Tyneside flats, and two, three, and four-bedroom houses.

The project, which is in line with the council’s housing statement for 2017­–2020, aims to create affordable homes for rent and provide a more independent life for people with different support needs.

This will include a mix of homes aimed at families, the elderly, and people with disabilities who want to live independently but need on-site support.

Gateshead-based construction firm Tolent won the award for the scheme and hopes to complete work on both sites by the beginning of next year.

Councillor Linda Hobson, cabinet member for housing at Newcastle City Council said: “Newcastle is a diverse city and by working in partnership with Tolent and with funding support from Homes England this site will offer a range of housing options, including supported accommodation that will help meet the housing needs of all our residents.

“The range of good quality homes on this site makes it an attractive choice for everyone, from young families to older people, and is an excellent example of how building new houses can help create communities.”

Tolent, which has been constructing projects across Tyneside since 1983, has worked closely with Newcastle-based architects P+HS and engineering consultants CK21 to design and develop the project.

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, said: “With the addition of this new scheme, we’re currently on six sites across the city, delivering over 200 quality, new homes on behalf of Newcastle City Council.

“We’ve got experience in delivering over £800m worth of affordable housing projects. And not only do we help create great places to live, but we always look to offer local employment opportunities, and this scheme in Kenton will be no different.”

Derek Shepherd, director at P+HS Architects, added: “Continuing with our commitment to designing high quality, affordable homes for older persons and people with specialist needs, we are delighted to once again be working with Tolent on behalf of Newcastle City Council and YHN.

“The chance to create environments that enhance people’s lives is key to what we do and the sites at Hartburn Walk and Reestones Place have provided an opportunity to provide much needed accommodation in the North West of Newcastle.”