With the North East facing a pressing need for high-quality, affordable housing, contractors and registered providers are being challenged to deliver sustainable solutions that meet the needs of diverse communities.
Esh Construction is rising to that challenge, playing a pivotal role in addressing the region’s housing shortage through a series of transformative developments.
Creating vibrant homes for over-55s
Esh Construction has reached a significant milestone in the delivery of a £12.4 million retirement living development in Gateshead, with work now underway after the contractor secured the land.
Located on Sunderland Road, the project – brought forward through Esh’s land-led solution – is being delivered in partnership with Housing 21 and will transform the site of a former disused library, which closed in 2017, into a vibrant community for residents aged 55+. The Clarke Chapman Court scheme will feature 43 apartments and 12 bungalows.
Laura Devaney, Land & Partnerships Director at Esh Construction, said: “This development is a great example of how collaboration and perseverance can deliver real value to communities. From the start, we recognised the potential of the site – not just to regenerate a disused area, but to create a place where older people can live independently with the support they need.
“It has taken five years to reach this stage which is testament to strong partnerships, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to bringing the development to fruition. We’re proud to be working alongside Housing 21 and our project partners to bring this vision to life for Gateshead.”
Affordable living meets environmental ambition
More than 200 affordable homes are now under construction at County Durham’s first ‘garden village’ on the outskirts of Seaham.
Working in partnership with affordable housing developer Karbon Homes, Esh commenced work on the first phase of the 750 new affordable homes scheme at Seaham Garden Village in Spring 2024. The homes on the 78-hectare garden village, located on the A182 going into Seaham, will utilise one of the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat projects.
In phase one 72 homes have been built to roof height, while phases two and three will see 84 and 57 homes respectively, built across the development.
Mark Binns, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “We’re proud of the progress we have made on site since we broke ground 12 months ago. Working closely with Karbon Homes we are not just constructing houses but developing a forward-thinking and community-focused development.”
Another phase of Seaham Garden Village has taken a step forward, with plans for 211 supported housing apartments now submitted for approval. The specialist accommodation will include a 118-unit extra care scheme and two supported housing apartment blocks for over 55s.
Delivering homes through strong partnerships
Esh Construction has been appointed by Thirteen Group to deliver 96 new affordable homes in Sunderland.
The £23 million Amberley & Harrogate scheme will include 75 two, three and four-bedroom houses and 21 two-bedroom bungalows, which will all be available for affordable rent.
The development is supported by a £1.9 million contribution from the North East Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Esh’s Chief Executive, Andy Radcliffe, said: “We are thrilled to build on our successful collaboration and valued partnership with Thirteen Group by securing this latest contract award.
“Alongside the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, we will engage within the local community by providing local employment, apprentice training and procurement opportunities to support the next generation into their future careers.”
To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk