Member Article

Buyers snap up homes at Durham housing development

The first buyers at Persimmon’s Aykley Woods site in Durham are taking up residence as work to transform land belonging to the former Police headquarters continues.

Sitting within an attractive location just north of the city, the development will comprise a selection of apartments, three, four and five-bedroom homes. In total, 230 properties are planned to be built by the developer.

Last week a huge crane moved into the development to take apart a defunct radio mast ahead of its move to the new Durham Police headquarters across the road. The grade II listed structure was designed by Brutalist engineer Ove Orup, who also created Kingsgate Bridge, which crosses the River Wear in Durham, The Sydney Opera House and the penguin pool at London Zoo.

The first phase of the development will also include roads named after fallen police officers. Woodward Way will be named after Sergeant Stanley Woodward who died aged 36 on October 13 1958. He was killed by terrorists while seconded to the British Police Unit in Cyprus. PC Keith Maddison will be honoured with a street entitled Maddison Court. He died aged 46 whist chasing two suspects from a stolen vehicle on May 21 1997.

Christine Cooper, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes Durham, said: “We’re thrilled with the progress made to deliver a high quality housing scheme on the former police headquarters site.

“The initial interest has been very encouraging and we’ve sold many homes to first-time buyers and young families.”

Aykley Woods offers residents access to excellent transport links, good schooling and is close to rolling countryside.

Gavin Woods, a first-time buyer living on the development, said: “We were looking for a location around the Durham area to be our first home and Aykley Woods ticked every box.

“It has plenty of schools and colleges within walking distance and no main roads lead to the estate. A hospital less than five minutes walk and Durham police station is around the back of the estate. Most importantly it’s a 15 minute walk into Durham city centre and train station.

“What sold the area to us the most was the nature reserve that lies just out the back of the estate, which is perfect for dog walkers and children as it contains a wide variety of animals and plant life which changes through the seasons.”

Prices at Aykley Woods start from £159,950.

The sales office is open from Thursday to Monday, 11am-6pm, or call 01913 385 422.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .