Member Article

Transformation of Redcar Estate to Start in NewYear

The £30m transformation of an outdated, rundown and badly designed estate in Redcar is about to be started by Coast & Country.

Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East, is embarking upon ambitious regeneration plans to build more than 300 homes at The Closes in Redcar.

The first phase is about to get underway, with the demolition of 106 vacant homes starting in January 2013, with construction due to start the following month.

About 100 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership are being constructed in partnership with Keepmoat Homes and Frank Haslam Milan.

Frank Haslam Milan will build a 44 unit apartment block for the over 55s and 16 two bedroom bungalows for affordable rent.

Keepmoat Homes will follow with the development of eight two bedroom apartments for affordable rent and 30 two and three bedroom homes for shared ownership.

It is anticipated that the first stage, which also includes 40 properties for outright sale, will be completed by March 2014.

The layout of the estate also will be dramatically changed to improve the environment and the quality of life for residents.

There will no longer be alleyways and communal courtyards, which have been hotspots for anti-social behaviour.

Car owners, who are currently not able to keep an eye on their vehicle, will have parking spaces adjacent to their properties.

Coast & Country Chief Executive Iain Sim said: “The Closes is to be transformed by creating a sustainable community, which will provide high quality, affordable homes not only for existing residents but for future generations.

“The estate is badly-designed and poorly laid out with inadequate access and security. Also the mix of properties is inappropriate for today’s housing needs and the general environment is substandard and as a result has affected the quality of life for householders.

“We have consulted closely with residents and their feedback about the improvements that are to be made to the estate and the style and quality of the properties has been very positive.”

In addition to the 100 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, The Closes proposals include 200 homes available for sale.

The project, which will take about five years to complete, has received a £2.5m grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .