Work to start this month on the first new Sunderland council houses in 40 years

Sunderland City Council’s Housing Delivery and Investment Plan includes a package of measures including creating 574 new affordable and supported homes by 2025, with new bungalows and support accommodation high on the priority list.

The council has received a £1.6million grant from Homes England to help build new social housing and work will begin on the first phase this month.

Construction company Tolent will handle the first development at Cork Street, building 26 affordable bungalows, 16 of which will be specially adapted to provide homes for people with physical disabilities.

The council will also build a new £1.4million day centre to support people with physical disabilities.

They will be the first council houses built in the city in around 40 years. Housing associations have been responsible for social housing in the city since the council transferred its stock to Gentoo in 2001.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: "It is fantastic to see the plans for our first council housing new build development progressing at such a positive pace despite everything that we have dealt with recently.

"The new homes at Cork Street, along with the new day centre, will provide much needed accommodation and support services for people with physical disabilities.

"I am proud the council can play its part in providing homes and support for our residents, particularly those who are vulnerable and disabled.”

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, said: "We're delighted to be working with Sunderland City Council on such a significant project that will contribute positively to so many in the city.

"Tolent has played an integral part in the regeneration of Sunderland, helping to shape the cityscape with innovative, unique and world-class buildings including Echo 24, River Quarter, Hilton Garden Inn, the award-winning Beacon of Light and most recently The Beam, the first office building to be developed on the site of the historic Vaux Brewery.

"It's great to be continuing our work in such a fantastic city and we're looking forward to getting started on site."

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