The foundations have been laid for 32 high-quality new homes on the site of a former pub in North Shields.
Work is underway to transform land, including the site of the former Brig Public House on Blandford Road, into an affordable housing development to meet local needs.
The scheme will offer a mix of property types including family homes, one and two-bed bungalows and one and two-bed apartments, which will be made available at affordable rents.
The development is being delivered by Galliford Try Partnerships North, supported by North Tyneside Council.
The work is part of North Tyneside Council’s ongoing drive to create at least 3,000 extra, affordable homes across the borough over ten years to address current and future housing needs.
The Blandford Road development, which should be ready to occupy by early October 2015, has been designed in consultation with the community to match local housing requirements, and includes open spaces and landscaping as well as the new homes.
Councillor John Harrison, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Demand for affordable housing continues to increase, particularly for bungalows, single-bed properties and affordable family homes.
“We have worked closely with the local community to plan this scheme, to make sure we’re putting the right homes in the right places. This development will offer the kinds of homes that we know local people need, at a cost that is affordable.
Elected Mayor for North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Galliford Try on this key housing project in the heart of North Shields, to provide exactly the kind of the homes we really need.”
Kevin Hayes, Commercial Director at Galliford Try Partnerships North, added: “Working with the region’s affordable housing providers is becoming an increasing part of our business – which is something we very much welcome.
“We are delighted to be working with North Tyneside Council on an initiative to improve the quality and choice of affordable homes and to improve the built environment in the area.”
The development is set to offer six two-bedroom bungalows; two three-bedroom accessible bungalows; eight two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses. In addition, an apartment block of fourteen units will be a mix of one and two-bedroom homes.
Almost half of the new homes will have level access shower rooms and the site will also provide for 50 designated parking spaces.
