Work has begun on a scheme which will provide 20 new affordable homes for families in the greatest housing need in west Gateshead.
The energy-efficient properties, in Ryton, will also help hard pressed families to reduce utility bills.
The £2 million development is being built by Galliford Try Partnerships North on behalf of Keelman Homes, a charitable operation which works alongside The Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council.
Local architect Gradon Architecture designed the homes which are on the sites of a former older persons’ residential home at The Lonnen. Built to level three of the government’s code for sustainable homes, the properties will comprise two, three and four bedroomed houses – 14 for affordable rent and six for sale.
With an increasing demand to build more quality housing throughout the borough, each new home has been designed to meet modern family needs. They incorporate a number of sustainable features to reduce heat loss and help make domestic running costs even more affordable.
Cllr. Malcolm Graham, housing portfolio holder with Gateshead Council, said: “It is fantastic to see this project is underway to help meet the ever increasing need for affordable homes in the area. I am sure they will be in great demand when they are completed.”
Stephen McCoy, Managing Director with Galliford Try Partnerships North, said: “We are delighted to be involved with the partnership delivering this scheme. Improving the quality and choice of affordable homes in the region is one of the key components of our business.”
Neil Bouch, Director of Customers and Communities at The Gateshead Housing Company, said: “We have already seen the valuable work that Keelman Homes has delivered in Gateshead with the development of a major regeneration scheme in Kibblesworth, which provided over 150 new homes in the village.”
“Following that, we are pleased to be providing a range of new, affordable homes for families in the west of the borough along with Gateshead Council and our other partners.”
Andrew Woods, architectural technologist at Gradon Architecture, said: “As a Ryton-based practice, we have a proud history of designing affordable homes across Gateshead. Designing modern, sustainable homes for the future can truly improve people’s lives and it’s really pleasing to have this opportunity to bring two under-used spaces back into community use for the next generation.
“Each new home is simple, but effective in its design and will meet the needs of modern living. These homes will use materials that reflect other properties in the area and will also be highly insulated - helping to reduce energy bills for residents.”
In addition a second Ryton scheme is proposed by the partners. This one is for a site occupied by garages in Stargate Lane on the Runhead Estate where nine homes for affordable rent could be built.