Multi-million vacant property rejuvenation scheme creates new jobs

A multi-million project to bring new life to Hartlepool’s vacant homes will create new jobs in the area.

Hartlepool Borough Council is working in partnership with Housing Hartlepool and the Homes and Communities Agency to target privately-owned properties empty for more than six months.

The £5.8 million Empty Property Purchasing Scheme which is funded jointly by the Council and the HCA aims to bring 100 properties back into use by March 2014.

Five posts have now been created by the council for unemployed construction workers to use their skills to transform properties.

Plumber Richard Yull, 26, plasterer Lee McGuire, 25, joiner Mark Greenwood, 34, electrician Michael Hadfield, 24, and van driver/labourer Garry Wainwright, 42, were either unemployed or working irregularly for themselves before joining the scheme.

Garry Wainwright who had been out of work for around two months before joining the scheme, said: “The role is varied and it’s a chance to muck in and do different things.”

Richard Yull added: “We are all working closely as a team and delighted to have been given this chance.”

Around 50 properties have already been acquired for improvement.

Properties purchased and revamped via the scheme which is part of the Council’s wider Empty Homes Strategy, are being managed by Housing Hartlepool on the Council’s behalf.

Amy Waller, Hartlepool Council’s Principal Housing Regeneration Officer, said: “We are really pleased with the progress of the scheme, but also delighted to be creating new job opportunities.”

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond added: “Clearly, there are twin benefits to this excellent regeneration initiative.

“Not only are empty properties being brought back into use before they can contribute to the wider decline of an area, but new jobs are also being created at a time of economic hardship for many people.”

Landlords with an empty property who are interested in getting involved in the scheme, can contact Martin Spaldin, the Council’s Empty Homes Officer, on (01429) 523288 for further information.