Banks Homes secures Homes England Cottingwood contract
The County Durham-based developer has been officially appointed on phase 2a of the wider masterplan in Morpeth, following a competitive tender process to deliver 52 four and five-bedroom homes on a 8.5 acre site.
This follows reserved matters applications from Banks and Barratt back in May, which were submitted as contract negotiations were progressing.
Barratt will deliver phase 2b of the site, comprising 48 of its David Wilson brand homes.
Located off Northgate on the northern edge of the town in Northumberland, construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, with the first homes anticipated to be completed next summer.
The development will feature bespoke house designs in line with the wider Cottingwood design code and will include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and smart heating systems as standard.
The appointment represents Banks Homes’ latest expansion across the North East and Yorkshire. Since launching three years ago, the company has established developments at West Rainton, Yarm, Wynyard and Hambleton in North Yorkshire, with additional sites expected to come forward over the coming months.
Cottingwood forms part of a wider regeneration and housing programme for Morpeth, with Homes England overseeing the disposal of development parcels as the scheme progresses.
The Banks Homes site is part of the wider Cottingwood estate being developed by Homes England, which has outline permission for up to 875 homes, as well as a local centre, a restaurant, and public open space on what was the former St George’s Hospital site.
Work is already ongoing on the first phase of the project, with Homes England currently working to identify the housebuilders to deliver its third and fourth phases.
Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Homes, says: “Cottingwood is a landmark project for Northumberland and we’re extremely pleased to have been chosen by Homes England to deliver this part of it.
“The outstanding design and build specifications we work to, our use of sustainable technologies that future-proof our homes and the comprehensive development programme that we will be working to have all combined to provide the ideal package for this gateway site to the county.
“The fact that much of the required development infrastructure and high-quality public realm is already in place will enable us to make a fast start on site and we’re ready to begin work as soon as we can.”
Julie Robinson, head of disposals at Homes England, added: “We are pleased to confirm the exchange of contracts with Banks Homes to bring forward the development of these key gateway sites.
“This represents an important milestone in the delivery of the wider Cottingwood development and supports the continued regeneration of the area.
“We look forward to working closely with Banks Homes to deliver a high-quality development that will create lasting benefits for the community.”
Be nice if the build larger homes people can afford not like 780k onwards
By Anonymous