Ground broken on eco-friendly housing development

Work has commenced on a groundbreaking £18.9 million affordable housing development in South East Sheffield, setting a new standard for sustainable living in the region.

North of England contractor Esh Construction has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver 77 eco-friendly homes in the Newstead area, featuring air source heat pumps, enhanced insulation and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Designed by Peak Architects, the development includes 36 apartments with communal spaces and 41 two, three and four-bedroom properties with off street parking and gardens.

Funded in part by a £1.3 million grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, the project reflects a commitment to creating affordable, energy-efficient homes.

Cllr Douglas Johnson, Sheffield City Council’s chair of the housing policy committee, said: “Sheffield City Council is delighted to be pushing ahead with expanding our council housing offering for current and prospective tenants.

“Our plans remain to build or acquire more than 1,000 council homes in the next five years – and partners such as Esh Construction are instrumental in helping us achieve this.

“Our aim, as always, remains to provide more choice of good quality, environmentally friendly and affordable homes for residents.

“The council continues to face an unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, and projects such as Newstead being completed will help to meet some of that demand.”

Esh Construction will also engage the community through employability sessions in local schools and apprenticeship opportunities.

Simon Woodward, Esh Construction’s operations director, added: “This project underscores our commitment to delivering more sustainable and future-proofed housing that meets the needs of the community and supports the transition to greener living.

“Marking the first affordable homes Esh will deliver for Sheffield City Council, we are proud to be supporting the council’s goal to develop energy efficient housing stock that will reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term affordability for residents.

“We look forward to showcasing progress over the coming months.”

The project is slated for completion by summer 2026.

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