The foundations have been laid for a new housing development in Newton Aycliffe which will create new jobs.
Chapter Homes aims to establish itself as one of the region’s premier housebuilders with an investment set to generate more than £35m for the County Durham economy.
The investment comes as the housebuilder begins work on its first development, Eden Field in Aycliffe, which will create 15 new jobs, 18 work placement opportunities and create or safeguard 23 apprenticeships.
Durham County Council’s Chairman, Cllr Jan Blakey, and Cabinet member for assets, housing and rural issues, Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, officially cut the first sod on the site which will provide 125 new high-quality homes for the town, including 12 affordable homes.
Cllr Jan Blakey said: “We’re delighted to be able to officially break ground on what we hope will be the first of many sites.
“We intend to provide our ongoing support to the construction industry in the county, by playing a more active role in delivering a high quality product, and ensure investment, jobs and training opportunities which benefit local communities the most.”
Construction will take two years and once finished Eden Field will house a new community of two, three and four bedroom homes benefiting from a semi-rural setting with public open spaces and landscaping plus excellent local road, rail and public transport links.
Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues, as well Chair of Chapter Homes’ Board of Directors, said: “We have worked hard to ensure that we are providing only the best quality housing through excellent design and carefully thought-out plans.
“This significant investment means new and safeguarded jobs, training opportunities and an improved housing offer which is great news for Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding areas, offering real, tangible benefits for local people and businesses.
“We’re very proud of the final plans and housing on offer and confident that the Eden Field development will be the first of many successes for Chapter Homes.”
Homes on the development are on sale now with a show home expected to open in June.
• Pictured (above, left to right): Paul Webster, managing director, Gentoo Tolent; Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, chair of Board of Chapter Homes; Peter Coe, chief executive officer Chapter Homes; Cllr Mike Dixon (Local Member for Aycliffe North and Middridge); Cllr Jan Blakey Chair of the Council; Cllr John Clare (Local Member for Aycliffe North and Middridge); Richard Roddam Chief Development Officer and Sarah Robson Director Chapter Homes.
