Member Article

£1.7m social housing development nears completion

A £1.7million high quality development which will help address a shortfall of social housing is nearing completion.

Gus Robinson Developments was appointed by the Vela Group to create the development of 22 two and three bedroom houses on Teesside.

The project, in Hartlepool, is now in its final stages and is due to be completed next month when the properties will be inspected and handed over to the Vela Group.

Gus Robinson Developments chairman Dan Robinson said: “We wanted to create a high quality development aimed specifically at the social housing market as there’s a massive shortfall both regionally and nationally.

“As a company, we pride ourselves on our incredibly high standards and the quality of our work and that is evident in each of the 22 properties built at Throston Grange in Hartlepool – and also from the independent endorsement we’ve been given by industry professionals.

“I’m absolutely delighted with it and very proud of what we’ve achieved with this development, I see this as a real showcase of our skills and expertise.”

The development, named Pillowwell, is made up of 22 properties, nine of which are for shared ownership and 13 for rental. Seventeen of the properties have two bedrooms, while five have three bedrooms.

Colin Wilson, Director of Development at the Vela Group, said: “The Vela Group is committed to providing high-quality, affordable housing, which is much needed throughout the Tees Valley.

“We are equally committed to investing in local communities and helping businesses prosper.

“As a key provider of homes throughout Tees Valley, we have further plans to build much needed homes across our existing communities and throughout the region as part of our commitment to delivering affordable good quality housing.”

Up to 60 people have been employed while the development, which started at Christmas, has been built and Gus Robinson Developments also took on two apprentices as part of its commitment to supporting young skilled workers into employment.

The company has used local businesses and tradesmen wherever possible including Acorn Landscapes, D&L Painters, Ian Bond Builders and joiners Mastercraft.

Pillowwell is also in the running for a Pride in the Job Award through the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual honours, the winners of which will be announced in October.

Once the development is complete, each property is thoroughly inspected by the Vela Group before the keys are handed over ready for the new owners. It is expected this will happen by the end of September.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .