Work has started on a three-year development programme to build 70 much needed new homes across County Durham and Darlington. Homes and communities business livin is investing £7 million to build a range of two and three bedroom homes that will include designated older persons accommodation as well as family homes. Gentoo Construction, a Tolent company, were named as the preferred construction partner to build the new homes and work is underway on the first sites at Butterby Grange in Spennymoor and Thirlmere Road in Ferryhill.
The former sheltered housing scheme at Butterby Grange has been demolished to make way for 14 new two-bedroom apartments that will be built across three twostory blocks. At Thirlmere Road in Ferryhill work has commenced on the construction of six twobedroom homes at the former brownfield site. The partnership will work closely with local schools to promote the construction industry, while also advising on health and safety around building sites. Livin Invest £7m on New Housing Wayne Harris, executive director property and development for livin said: “We are committed to ensuring we build homes to meet the needs of our communities and we’ve made a significant investment to ensure the success of this build programme.
“We’ve worked closely with our communities to identify the areas where homes are needed most and expect the properties to be in high demand and encourage anyone interested to register their interest as soon as possible.” David Dixon, head of customer services at Gentoo Construction, added: “We are working with livin to deliver quality housing in Durham through this new partnership. “As well as building great homes, we are also passionate about supporting local communities which includes providing education and training opportunities and we look forward to expanding our relationship with local schools, colleges and community groups.” Properties will be advertised to rent through the Durham Key Options (DKO), choice based lettings scheme and will be allocated to people who meet specific criteria as part of the programme. For more information on new build developments from livin or to register for DKO visit www.livin.co.uk
