A MAJOR regeneration scheme in a Middlesbrough housing estate has been given a big boost.
A compulsory purchase order for two existing homes in central Whinney Banks has been granted after a public inquiry. And an order to allow existing roads to be closed has been confirmed.
It means the way is now clear for the next phase of the £50m-plus plans to build more than 450 new homes in the area now being called Acklam Green.
The scheme is a flagship project of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) which is working with Bellway Homes, Tees Valley Housing Group and Middlesbrough Council.
Joan Ford, chairman of WMNT, said: “What fantastic news this is. It now means the rest of the area can be cleared to make way for more lovely new homes.
“Extensive consultation with local people has helped us get where we are today and our thanks go to residents for their patience and for working with us to transform the area.�
Keith Lewis of Bellway Homes North East said: “It’s great news that the CPO and RCO have both been confirmed, bringing the site preparation phase of the project to an end.
“All of the partners can progress to the next key phases of land disposal and the start of building houses for sale, so the transformation everyone’s looking forward to is achieved.�
Dave Budd, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive councillor for regeneration said: “This decision is very good news as Middlesbrough Council has always supported this major redevelopment. This will mean a far greater choice of good quality homes for local people.�
The keys to the first phase of 40 new homes have already been handed over to Tees Valley Housing Group tenants, with a further 18 being handed over in the coming weeks.
Over a five-year period the overall project will provide 354 houses and apartments for sale, 100 homes for rent, a new health and community hub, a new gateway building of apartments, new football pitches and improved play facilities for youngsters.
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