Plans for a major riverside housing development on Tyneside have taken a step forward with the appointment of two North firms to deliver the project.
The scheme for the Holborn site at South Shields will see more than 350 homes built in a project being overseen by South Tyneside Council.
Now the council has appointed Keepmoat Homes and Alnwick-firm Cussins to take the project forward.
Council leader Iain Malcolm said: “This is a real milestone and we are delighted to welcome Keepmoat and Cussins on board to delivery the residential element of our ambitious plans.
“The Holborn masterplan is set to transform disused docks into a bustling riverside quarter, delivering hundreds of new homes and new office space that will help create hundreds of new jobs.
“The Holborn area has been largely derelict for many years and this mixed-use development will transform disused, industrial land into a desirable location for businesses, residents and visitors, and further strengthen the link between the riverside and the town centre.”
The scheme is the latest regeneration of the South Tyneside waterfront that has already seen the creation of the Harton Quays Park, business centre One Trinity Green and the Trinity South residential development.
It has secured funding of £4.2m from Homes England, while £9.4m has been pledged by the North East LEP for a future office development. Nearly half of the 10-hectare site has been given enterprise zone status, meaning businesses setting up or moving there enjoy financial benefits.
The site also needs remediation work to tackle a falling quay-edge wall and flooding issues. It is envisaged that a new riverside path will be created, while the area’s industrial heritage will be preserved with the renovation of three former dry docks.
Keepmoat Homes’ regional managing director Ian Worgan said: “We are looking forward to working in collaboration with the council officers and members to continue our involvement with the regeneration of South Shields and to delivering our part in this exciting and technically challenging scheme, which will bring more quality family homes to the riverside location.”
Cussins chief executive Jabin Cussins said: “Key to the success of the scheme will be a strong focus on creating a vibrant, enjoyable place to live that reflects the unique dockland heritage, whilst ensuring that the homes we build are accessible and affordable to the widest range of purchasers throughout South Tyneside.”
The scheme will be a mixture of family homes and apartments.
