Esh Construction starts £42 million affordable housing schemes in Middlesbrough

Work is underway on 250 affordable homes following Esh Construction being appointed by Thirteen to deliver two developments in Middlesbrough.

Located across sites in Brambles Farm and Gresham, the combined £42 million schemes will provide a mix of houses, apartments and bungalows all for affordable rent.

A ground breaking ceremony officially marked the start on site for Kedward Avenue, which will see 105 homes delivered on two sites adjacent to each other in Brambles Farm, formerly home to three demolished tower blocks.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) will be used throughout the scheme, with all homes built with a timber frame. Ten of the properties will also be built as ‘net zero-carbon.’

Just four miles apart, Esh Construction is making headway with 145 new homes on a development known as Union Village. Forming part of ambitious plans to regenerate areas of central Middlesbrough by bringing derelict land back to life, the scheme has been funded by Thirteen, Homes England and the Government’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

Mark Binns, operations director at Esh Construction, said: “Securing these two notable projects and continuing our successful working relationship with Thirteen has kickstarted growth plans within our affordable housing division.

We have a £166 million forward order book secured, which in turn allows us to create employment opportunities for local people and generate a significant amount of work for our local supply chain.

“As always, we are committed to delivering a wealth of social value initiatives with a view to leaving a legacy in the area. This will include volunteering and donations, training opportunities for apprentices, out of work residents and T-Level students, school and college engagement, and local procurement.”

Thirteen has brought forward the schemes in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Council, Homes England, and other partners.

Joy Whinnerah, Thirteen’s director of development, said: “These two fantastic developments are bringing modern, high quality and affordable homes to Middlesbrough, and so much hard work has gone into making them happen.

“They are creating much-needed homes, and we’re thrilled to be working with our partners to bring them to life. Each scheme will boost the ongoing regeneration in its area and leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”

Speaking about the Kedward Avenue development, Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “New housing for local people is great news.

“Thank you to Thirteen Group and Esh Construction for making this fantastic project happen.”

The new developments follow the successful completion of twenty-five two-bedroom bungalows and three four-bedroom houses for Thirteen in the heart of South Bank. The project was designed to meet the needs of an ageing population and will support people to live independently for longer.

Esh will work in partnership with Hall & Partners, BSBA Architects, iD Civils and Billinghurst George & Partners throughout the Kedward Avenue project, and IDPartnership, Elliott Associates and CK21 Ltd for the Gresham development.