Member Article

Work starts on £5.5m redevelopment in the heart of Hexham

Karbon Homes is working with main contractor Tolent on a comprehensive redevelopment of the site, which will see 38 high specification apartments for older residents. Karbon is aiming to build homes to suit all sections of the community in Hexham, with 20 apartments available for Shared Ownership, and 18 for rent. The project has already seen the demolition of the outmoded bedsit style flats which used to stand on the site, along with a pair of semi-detached houses, which previously sat between St Cuthbert’s Close and Hencotes. This has allowed the creation of a new entrance for the development on Hencotes – linking the residents into all the shops, cafes and restaurants available in Hexham town centre, and allowing easy access for visitors. The project, designed by architects HMH, has been supported with £2.3m of funding from the Homes England development and regeneration agency. Steve Riding, development contracts manager for Karbon Homes, said: “This is an important site, close to the centre of Hexham, and we are really pleased to be bringing this project forward. “We are working closely with our contractor Tolent to ensure the construction process goes smoothly and we minimise disruption for our neighbours.” Mike Brown, commercial director for Tolent, said: “As one of the leading housing providers in the region we are pleased to partner with Karbon Homes, in their quest to deliver quality homes across the North East and Yorkshire. Tolent share the same values around delivering quality homes, services and engagement within the communities we work, and we look forward to building this exciting development at St. Cuthbert’s Close, Hexham” Karen Anderson, home ownership and supply specialist at Homes England, said: “Homes England is committed to working with partners who understand the needs of their local community and are striving to build the homes that people want, that help them to live independently, where they want to live. “It is great to see St Cuthbert’s Close starting on site; it is a real hive of activity. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved working in partnership and will offer residents high quality, well designed and affordable accommodation – whether to rent or to buy on a shared ownership basis – close to the town centre.” Work on St Cuthbert’s Close is being led by Karbon with Tolent as main contractor, supported by consultants Hall and Partners and 3E Consulting Engineers The new homes on the St Cuthbert’s Close site will form part of Karbon Homes’ regionwide development programme which will see the business invest in building at least 500 new homes a year throughout its five year ‘Strong Foundations’ strategy. Karbon has recently issued £150m in new bonds to support the delivery of its ambitious strategy.

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