A multi-million pound regeneration scheme which has seen a Stockton Town Centre site transformed and 110 quality homes built is now complete.
The £30 million scheme is a partnership between Stockton Council, Dunelm Homes (Esh Group), the Homes and Communities Agency and Tees Valley Housing Group, part of the Thirteen Group.
The development, which is called Nursery Gardens, is situated off Spring Street, a short walking distance from the Town Centre.
The project has seen the area transformed as 185 terraced properties as well as a Social Club (Trades and Labour Club) were demolished by Stockton Council to make way for the new properties.
Since 2007 Dunelm Homes has built 110 new high quality homes on the site. 68 of these properties have been for private sale by Dunelm Homes and consist of a mix of two-bedroom flats and two, three and four-bedroom houses. The remaining two, three and four bedroomed houses and bungalows were bought by Tees Valley Housing for social rent and for sale (through rent-to-buy, shared equity as well as shared ownership options and private sale).
As part of the wider regeneration of the area Dunelm Homes has also funded a piece of artwork created by four primary schools and sculptor, Andrew McKeown. The artwork which is at the entrance to Spring Street bridge depicts a train and carriages in honour of Stockton’s rail heritage.
The community artwork was funded as part of wider works to the local area which have included contributing to the restoration works of Trinity Church, the painting of Oxbridge Lane railway bridge and improvements to the façade of Spring Street footbridge.
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Housing developments are about far more than just bricks and mortar. Creating clean, green and safe communities across the Borough is at the heart of our regeneration schemes. We are delighted to see Nursery Gardens completed – a happy place to call home for those living here for years to come.”
Phil Brown, Managing Director of Dunelm Homes, said: “We are really proud of the finished scheme – a whole new neighbourhood has been created. A great combination of different types and sizes of homes has been built; semi-detached and terrace houses – two, three and four bedrooms – and some bungalows. This diversity appeals to a wide range of people, from those living alone to families. It’s been a really good example of successful partnership working, in this case between Stockton Council, Thirteen and ourselves.”
Martin Hawthorne, Director of Development and Regeneration at Thirteen Group, said: “We are very proud to be part of this important regeneration scheme in Stockton that is creating much-needed new homes for local people. This scheme is a perfect example of the results that can be achieved through partnerships of like-minded organisations that are determined to create new homes that can enhance and develop communities.”
For more information on housing regeneration across the Borough visit www.stockton.gov.uk/environmentandhousing