Member Article

Topping Out ceremony marks major milestone for popular York housing development

Construction of a popular development of new homes on the edge of York city centre has reached a major milestone, thanks to a collaboration between two local housing specialists.

A ‘topping out’ ceremony organised by local housebuilder, Barratt Developments Yorkshire East and charitable housing association, Yorkshire Housing, has marked the final brick being laid at Orange House - a new collection of affordable homes at David Wilson Homes’ The Chocolate Works development.

Boasting a collection of 33 affordable apartments, Orange House has been built by the five star housebuilder on behalf of Yorkshire Housing, with the latter set to make the new homes available to those with the greatest housing needs in the city early in 2022.

Once complete, Orange House will be handed over to the housing association to add to the 34 affordable homes already built by Barratt Developments as part of the development’s earlier phases. The development’s completion will mean a total of 67 affordable houses and apartments will have been made available on either an affordable rent or shared ownership basis.

Located adjacent to York Knavesmire on the edge of the city centre, The Chocolate Works is in an ideal location near York Racecourse, Rowntrees Park and within walking distance of the famous Bishopthorpe Road - also known locally as the ‘Notting Hill of the North’.

Daniel Smith, Managing Director of Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, commented: “The topping out of Orange House is an important milestone for both The Chocolate Works development and our partnership with Yorkshire Housing. By working together closely, we’re able to bring some much needed affordable housing to the area, which will make a really positive difference to people’s lives.”

The development’s earlier phase landed the top prize for Best Design at the National House Building Awards, and was praised for the design of its homes, including high-ceilings, three storey homes, free-flowing spaces and secondary living areas and private gardens and patios.

Andy Gamble, Executive Director Growth & Assets at Yorkshire Housing, said: “It’s great we have completed the topping out ceremony at Orange House in York, it will provide more affordable homes in the area and give customers the chance to have a place they’re proud to call home. These new homes are in addition to the 69 affordable homes built at our site on Hull Road.

“There is a need for more affordable homes across all Yorkshire, including homes that give people the chance to step on to the property ladder. We’re committed to building a total of 8,000 new mixed tenure homes by 2030 and the Orange House in York has significantly contributed to this.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .