“Long-awaited” Middlesbrough affordable housing scheme takes a step forward

Work is underway to build 105 “long-awaited” new affordable homes on the site of three demolished tower blocks in Middlesbrough.

The scheme is being delivered by Thirteen in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston, Homes England, and other partners. Esh Construction has also been named the design and build contractor for the scheme, with enabling works now underway.

The new development will deliver apartments, bungalows, and two, three and four-bedroom houses on two sites adjacent to each other in Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough. “Modern” construction methods will be used throughout the scheme, with all homes built with a timber frame. 10 of the properties will also be built as ‘net zero-carbon.’

Thirteen’s executive director of development, Joy Whinnerah, commented: “This long-awaited milestone is another step towards bringing much-needed new homes to Brambles Farm, and so much hard work has gone into making it happen.

“Following the announcement to demolish the blocks, back in 2018, a dedicated relocations team worked closely with residents to ensure they all found suitable new homes. Once completed, we were finally able to demolish the blocks last year, and we’re so pleased that we’re a step closer to delivering these fantastic new homes.

Middlesbrough Mayor, Andy Preston, added: “These are exactly the sort of modern, high quality and affordable homes Brambles Farm has been crying out for. They’ll help to transform this important part of Middlesbrough with family homes that will stand the area in good stead many years to come.

“This is just the latest example of our fantastic partnership with Thirteen, which goes from strength to strength.”

Esh’s pre-construction director, Chris Hale, concluded: “This is a significant contract award for our affordable housing division, and we’re delighted to continue our successful working relationship with Thirteen.

“Extensive work from all parties has gone into making this scheme viable, including a value engineering exercise which will see all properties built from timber frame, providing faster build times as well as environmental efficiencies and a lower carbon footprint.”

The new homes will replace the demolished tower blocks, Milford, Portland, and Jupiter, which were demolished last year. The Jupiter site will include 15 bungalows, while Milford and Portland will be home to 90 new homes, including a mix of bungalows, two-bedroom homes, up to four-bedroom houses and four-bedroom townhouses.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily