Tees Valley Mayor and Housing Secretary visit new 'affordable' property scheme in Stockton

Housing developer, Thirteen has hosted Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government, on a visit to its new West End Gardens development in Stockton.

The development is said to offer ‘high quality’ homes available for affordable rent.

Mr Brokenshire, who has held his current position in the government since April 2018, was invited by Mayor Houchen to visit some of the housing projects underway in the region.

He is keen to build up strong ties within the region as part of his ongoing focus on strengthening communities through affordable housing.

James Brokenshire MP said: “It’s great to visit a site like this. Housing associations like Thirteen are being innovative and its precisely the sort of thing we’re looking for.

“We’re seeing affordable housing, including shared equity and homes for sale being developed in Tees Valley.

Ian Wardle, chief executive at Thirteen, said: “We were pleased to host the minister and the Mayor to this exciting development of affordable homes in Stockton.

“The investment from the government was paramount in both phases of the development, ensuring we have enough affordable housing within Tees Valley.

“It demonstrates a commitment to support the people working in our town centres and our industries by giving them access to good quality homes.”

West End Gardens, which is currently in its second phase, is said to offer affordable housing, with priority given to those who live or work in Stockton or have a connection to the area.

Thirteen is working alongside Stockton Council on the development, supported with funding from Homes England.

Ian Wardle, chief executive at Thirteen, hosted Mr Brokenshire and Mayor Houchen on a tour of the first phase of the housing development, which was completed last year, and on a visit to the next phase comprising of 52 new two and three-bedroom homes that are currently underway, off Dovecot Street.

The modern family homes are expected to be completed in summer next year.