The first new houses for a generation are being built in Middlehaven as Endeavour Housing Association, part of the North Star Housing Group start work on nine two-bed homes alongside the new urban park at the heart of Middlehaven. The scheme will cost over £900,000 with investment of £135,000 being provided by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The nine homes will be to the east of the new linear park which is being built along Cleveland Street to connect the Transporter Bridge with the rest of the town centre and form part of the Urban Pioneers project, an attractive development opportunity targeted at individual self-builders, groups, as well as smaller developers and Registered Providers. Small plots of land are available which are serviced and ready for development.
Discussions are also underway with local people and businesses about developing some of the other plots, with a number still available providing opportunities for people to build their homes or develop their business ideas.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Middlehaven is a potent symbol of Middlesbrough’s ongoing regeneration, and of the confidence the town has in its future.
“The Urban Pioneers project is the latest phase in that success story, creating a great opportunity for people looking to build something tailored to their own needs.
“These new live-work units will provide affordable accommodation and the ideal environment for new enterprises to find their feet and flourish.”
Chris Munro, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency said: “The start of the first Urban Pioneer development marks a new beginning for Middlehaven. Providing affordable live-work family homes available for local people that complement the jobs and employment opportunities that we have helped provide in the area.
“By working with local partners in the heart of the Northern Powerhouse, the Homes and Communities Agency is ensuring that surplus public land is being used to support the local economy.”
The new homes being built by Endeavour Housing Association will complement the recent opening of Boho Five a 24,000 sq ft office building on Bridge Street East, funded by the HCA and ERDF as the latest part of Middlesbrough’s DigitalCityBusiness (DCB), by offering more choices in affordable homes for local people.
Emma Speight, Group Director of Technical Services for Endeavour Housing Association, added: “We are delighted to be a part of the ongoing regeneration of Middlehaven by providing contemporary affordable rented homes, with open plan living space. These high quality homes will overlook the recently completed urban park which is fabulous setting for couples and families wanting to rent a home in a creative environment. Whilst we are the first ‘pioneer’ to start on site, we look forward to our tenants being part of vibrant community in this part of Middlesbrough.”
The new homes are expected to be completed in autumn 2016 when they will be available to rent, with priority being given to people working from home.
