Housing association in £11.4 million estate venture

A housing association is set to deliver an £11.4 million estate.

Bernicia has broken ground on a 46-property site in Sunderland.

Bosses say the venture will include two, three and four-bed homes alongside two-bed bungalows.

They add 44 properties will be built for social rent, with a further two available through shared ownership.

Ashington-headquartered Bernicia is working with Sunderland-based contractor RE:GEN Group on the estate, based in Wearside’s Silksworth area, with the scheme slated for completion by late summer 2027.

They add the provider is partnering with Sunderland City Council “to ensure the homes are allocated to people with the greatest need”.

Jeff Boyd, Bernicia development director, said: “The housing mix has been carefully designed to respond to local demand, increasing the availability and choice of affordable homes while supporting the creation of a balanced and sustainable community.

“The development will also deliver significant environmental benefits, with homes set to incorporate air source heat pumps and solar panels.”

Lee Francis, chief executive of Sunderland-based RE:GEN Group, added: “We know delivering high-quality homes safely and to the highest standards is only part of the difference a project like this can make.

“As a Sunderland-based business, we’re proud to be playing our part in delivering much-needed new social homes on our doorstep. 

“Social housing is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re pleased to make a positive difference in the communities where we work.”

As part of the development, youngsters from nearby Farringdon Academy worked with Bernicia to name a street on the estate Pepperwell Gardens and received £250 from the housing provider’s Community Investment Fund to buy lesson resources.

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