Thirteen Group gets underway on 96 Hendon homes
The £23.6m development is being delivered by Esh Construction and supported by Homes England, Sunderland City Council, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, and local charity Back on the Map.
Preparatory works will begin this month, with construction set to start in September with completion due by 2028.
The social housing association will deliver 75 two- to four-bedroom houses and 21 two-bed bungalows, all for affordable rent.
A £1.9m grant from the North East Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund has supported the project, which follows the allocation of £4.8m towards housing in the first phase of the city’s new Sheepfolds neighbourhood.
The development is also receiving financial support from Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme, with the government further boosting the fund by £17m due to its success,
Kim McGuinness said: “Everyone deserves a good home. That’s why I’m delighted we’re backing another housing development in Sunderland that will create high-quality, affordable new homes for local people.
“The redevelopment of both this site in Hendon, and the one at Sheepfolds, is a huge opportunity for the city to create a new lease of life in these areas.
“Too many families have been locked out of affordable housing for too long so I’m pleased we’ll be delivering even more schemes like this with a further £17m to transform brownfield sites with great homes for our communities across the region.”
Cllr Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council and Hendon ward councillor, added: “I’m delighted to see the start of work on these much-needed homes for social rent in the heart of Hendon.
“This site has stood empty for far too long, so it really is great to finally see the development start.
“I was born on Salem Street which forms part of this new development and it’s great to know that new families are going to live once again in this area of Hendon.
“I am proud to have played a small part in making it happen.”
Matt Forrest, chief executive of Thirteen, said: “We’re excited to be providing much-needed affordable homes for people in Sunderland through the redevelopment of this key site.
“It’s been a long time in the making but all of the partners involved have shown an unwavering determination to help us make it happen, and we’re really grateful for their support.
“As well as building high-quality, energy efficient homes, we’re looking forward to building great relationships with local people and communities.”
Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing grants at Homes England, said: “This development in Sunderland is a prime example of how the agency works with local partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to build the homes people need and create new thriving communities.”
Esh’s chief executive, Andy Radcliffe, said: “Alongside the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, we will engage within the
local community by providing local employment, apprentice training and procurement opportunities, and delivering award-winning school engagement initiatives to support the next generation into their future careers.”
