Delight as regeneration of Grimsby neighbourhood is completed

Work on the last phase of a £7-million social housing project in the heart of Grimsby has been finished following the completion of the final 19 socially-rented homes.

The 70-unit project towards the southern end of Guildford Street – now renamed Orchard Drive – has been delivered thanks to joint investment from Longhurst and Havelok Homes – part of Longhurst Group – North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and Homes England (formerly the Homes and Communities Agency).

The new two and three-bedroom homes, developed by Lindum, who employed mainly local labour throughout, have been created following the demolition of 100 terraced houses which were over a century old and in poor condition.

The completion of the remaining homes marks the complete transformation of one of North East Lincolnshire’s most challenging brownfield sites.

Ian Jackson, Executive Director of Portfolio Investment at Longhurst Group, one of the leading housing providers in the Midlands and East of England, said: “We’re delighted to have taken handover of the final phase of properties, marking the completion of the total regeneration of this development within the East Marsh vicinity.

“We’ve been committed to this area for a very long time now, so to have now completely replaced the old properties that stood here with brand new, affordable and sustainable family homes is fantastic.

“This is a high-quality development that will really make a difference to the area and improve the lives of the families living here, as well as the wider community.

“Orchard Drive is a shining example of our strong and ongoing partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and we thank both them and Homes England for their support.”

Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for housing, added: “It’s wonderful to see the results of this great project between the Council, Longhurst & Havelok, and Homes England

“This project has created a significant number of affordable and sustainable houses for future generations in our area.

“One of the Council’s priorities is to ensure that local people have access to good quality and affordable accommodation. These new houses have replaced some properties that were in a rather poor state with some family friendly dwellings which will foster some vibrant communities.

“I would like to thank Longhurst & Havelok for their great work on this project.”

To view and bid for the available properties, www.homechoicelincs.org.uk

Photo: Development and New Business Manager Christine Steele (left) and Project Manager Tracey Pearson pictured at Orchard Drive with Councillor Matthew Patrick, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Community Assets, Governance and Tourism.