Work begins on new housing scheme named in honour of colliery

The ground was ceremoniously broken at the organisation’s new Brockwell Green development of affordable homes for rent.

Leaders from Sunderland City Council, Gentoo and builders Tolent gathered at Avenue Vivian to mark the start of construction.

The project, which is being delivered in partnership with Homes England, will see two and three-bedroom homes, as well as two-bedroom bungalows, built by Tolent.

Brockwell Green pays tribute to the area’s local mining heritage. The development is named after a pit line in at the former Houghton Colliery which closed in 1981.

This is the second Gentoo construction site that has started in Sunderland the last month. Another 56 new homes are also currently being built in Downhill.

Nigel Wilson, chief executive officer at Gentoo said: “Our affordable homes plan has gathered pace over the past month and I’m delighted that work is progressing on the regeneration of Brockwell Green, with 100 new affordable homes now currently being built for rent in the city.

“In partnership with Homes England, we’re committed to improving the current housing offer in Sunderland by creating modern neighbourhoods and homes, whilst at the same time ensuring Gentoo and housing play a part in the economic recovery post Covid-19.”

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent said: “It's great to see work starting on site on what is set to be another fantastic development in the city from Gentoo.

"We have delivered over 5,000 homes across the North East, and are committed to ensuring this is another high quality project delivered by Tolent.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council added: “As a city council we work closely with all housing developers and thousands of new homes, of all types, are going to be built in our city in coming years.

"Updating our city’s housing stock and providing new homes for everyone is one of this council’s biggest priorities. Gentoo has further plans for new homes for rent and this council is very supportive of these plans

“It’s great that work is underway here at Fence Houses as it’s another boost for our city’s housing stock.”

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