200 jobs to be created as work begins on new Whitby housing scheme

Work has now commenced on the first phase of a new housing development at High Stakesby in Whitby.

The development will see 190 new homes be built on land formerly owned by the Order of the Holy Paraclete, which is based at Sneaton Castle.

Property developer S Harrison, and partner Tees Valley Housing, which is part of the Thirteen Group, have appointed Kier Living to carry out the three year construction project.

50% of the homes will be affordable, and there will be a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes, all with gardens, as well as a number of bungalows.

Buyers will have the option of shared ownership and the development will also provide a range of homes for outright sale and rent, to help meet Whitby’s critical housing requirements.

Green amenity space with a children’s play area, a pedestrian link through the site and two new access points will be created from Castle Road and High Stakesby Road.

Around 200 new construction jobs, including apprenticeships, will be created in the area as a result of the development.

David Clancy, development director from S Harrison, said: “Through perseverance and a tenacious approach to the planning and design of this development, we have been able to deliver a positive outcome for everyone involved in this well-designed, sustainable scheme.

“Having shown full commitment to this project for a significant amount of time, it’s fantastic to see work now underway in this highly sought after area of Whitby.”

Martin Hawthorne, director of development and regeneration at Thirteen, added: “It is essential that more affordable options are made available in this area, which is suffering from a real shortage of new homes, and it is hoped that local people who would otherwise struggle to buy their own home, will now have the chance to get onto the property ladder.”

Jon Rukin, Kier Living operations director, commented: “We’re pleased to start work on site and are looking forward to delivering much-needed new homes in Whitby.

“The mix of tenures available at this development provides opportunities for a wide range of people to get on the property ladder. We’ll be working closely with the local workforce during our time on site, and the scheme will provide employment opportunities for local people for a number of years.”