More affordable bungalows on way for Newbiggin Hall

A new £1.25m development of 10 bungalows at Newbiggin Hall in Newcastle is now fully occupied.

The two bedroom homes are part of a £12m investment over 10 years by social housing provider NomadE5, to replace out-dated bedsit accommodation.

NomadE5 has worked with Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to deliver the new bungalows at Hopton Court on the Newbiggin Hall estate.

NomadE5 started re-development work at Newbiggin Hall in 2001, and work on a further 14 properties is due to start on site this autumn, subject to planning permission, with completion expected in summer 2010. The scheme is expected to deliver 30 additional new bungalows in total, over six sites.

Harry Alder, development and regeneration manager at Isos Housing, said: “Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) like NomadE5 are playing a vital role in the housebuilding industry at the moment. While many of the big players in the industry are holding back on new schemes, we are extremely pleased to be adding further homes for rent to NomadE5's portfolio.

“With a development programme of around 200 more homes in 2009/10, we are providing the North East with much needed affordable housing.

"NomadE5 is proud to play such a key role in the continuing regeneration of Newbiggin Hall.

“The completion of this phase is further evidence of our strong working partnership and with additional new properties in the pipeline, the area is set to benefit greatly from an increase in high-quality and affordable homes.”

Roy Ashton, chair of NomadE5 said, “In these tough economic times, it’s encouraging to see development work like these bungalows at Hopton Court getting completed and occupied.”

The Hopton Court scheme received £750,000 of funding from the HCA and all the new homes were built to EcoHomes “Very Good” standard.

NomadE5 worked alongside Christopher Brummitt Architects, Elliot Associates, 3E Consulting Engineers Ltd and contractor Turney Wylde Construction Limited to deliver the scheme.

Councillor Bill Shepherd, executive member for regeneration and housing at Newcastle City Council, said: “The council is dedicated to providing affordable housing and is delighted to be involved in such an exciting development.

“These new bungalows are just the start of a project which will see more top quality homes for rent and for sale built throughout the city over the coming year.”