Work begins on 'stunning' new homes as part of £59m of Sunderland housing improvements

Sunderland City Council has contracted North East construction partner Tolent to complete five “stunning new homes” in Stanley Terrace, Shiney Row.

The Homes England-backed development of two-bedroom bungalows will create properties for affordable rent for people aged over 55 and is the second council-led new-build scheme to be delivered across the city.

Councillor Rebecca Atkinson, dynamic city portfolio holder, said the £900,000 Shiney Row homes were another important step forward in the authority’s vision to deliver a more diverse housing-mix to cater for all kinds of families.

She added: “We’re thrilled to see work move forward on these important new properties that will cater for our older residents, who might require a more accessible home but still wish to remain independent.

“It is vital that, as a council, we step in to complement the schemes that others are delivering, to ensure we fulfil the housing priorities of the city.

"Developments like this one allow us to do just that, building much-needed bungalows across Sunderland that will help older members of our community lead independent lives, and free up larger homes for families.”

The council is committed to bring more than 360 empty properties into use as family homes over the next five years, build 117 bungalows and create 95 new homes as supported accommodation.

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, said: "Our successful partnership with the council is delivering more than 30 new homes in the city, all of which are creating high quality housing for a variety of needs, including these much needed bungalows for older people in Shiney Row.

"As a considerate contractor, we're also providing local employment opportunities, supporting apprenticeships and introducing a number of staff wellbeing initiatives over the course of the five-month build programme."

Andrea Taylor, senior manager at Homes England, which has supported the Shiney Row project with £195,000 of investment, said: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating house building remains our number one priority.

"We are committed to supporting Sunderland City Council who have ambitions to build new homes, and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that. We’re delighted that this funding will enable Sunderland City Council to deliver much needed new homes in Shiney Row.”

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