Gentoo Homes to develop new homes on former school site

Gentoo Homes is set to begin development on 99 homes on the former Chapel Park Middle School site in Newcastle.

The legal purchase of the land from Newcastle City Council has recently completed, with work expected on the site to begin this month.

The development will consist of spacious two-bedroom bungalows and a combination of three, four and five bedroom homes. The majority of homes will be made available for sale with 16 properties qualifying for Shared Ownership.

Joanne Gordon, Homes & Development Director at Gentoo Homes said: “I’m delighted our plans to deliver 99 new homes on the former Chapel Park Middle School site are progressing, with works commencing this month.

“The new homes will contribute to much needed new housing for residents in Newcastle while also delivering affordable home ownership options through Shared Ownership.”

Cllr Irim Ali, Cabinet Member for a Dynamic City at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle is a growing city so it needs more housing to match the needs of its existing residents and those who are moving into the city.

“These 99 new homes will revitalise a site that has remained vacant and fenced off since the closure of Chapel Park Middle School in 2005.

“The inclusion of 16 shared ownership houses and bungalows will help meet the need for affordable housing.

“The development will also provide high quality, publicly available open space which connects existing areas of open space to the north and the south which will benefit the local community.”

Gentoo Homes is the private housebuilding arm of Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo Group. As a profit for purpose organisation all financial surplus is reinvested into the Group’s affordable housing provision.