Gateshead contractor chosen for £4.5m affordable housing project

Building firm Tolent Living Limited has won a multi-million pound contract to deliver an affordable housing scheme in South Tyneside.

The company, based in Gateshead, secured the £4.5m brief through a competitive tender to the borough’s independent housing company, South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust.

A principal contractor on the development, Tolent will build a residential complex on Bowman Street in Whitburn that comprises 36 one- and two-bedroomed apartments for over-55s.

The project is due to start later this month and expected to last around 18 months.

It will occupy the site of the former sheltered housing scheme Croftside Court.

Tolent Living regional director Allan Thompson said: “We are thrilled to have won this prestigious development.

“This is a flagship project and we look forward to working with our new client South Tyneside Housing Ventures to ensure the successful delivery of this high quality residential scheme.”

Brian Scott, company secretary of the Ventures Trust, said: “We are delighted to have Tolent on board and are looking forward to working with them on this scheme.

“It is a North East company with a strong track record in delivering high quality residential developments and I’m sure Croftside will be no exception.”

Homes England awarded the Ventures Trust just over £1.34m to fund the scheme.

South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Transport, Cllr Mark Walsh, said of the development: “It is great to see this scheme moving forward. Now we have a contractor appointed, a start on site will be imminent.

“I’m sure local residents will be excited to see these modern properties for older people taking shape and providing a real boost to the area.”