Manchester based build-to-rent developer PlaceFirst has begun the demolition of empty terraced properties at a key regeneration site on the edge of Hartlepool town centre.
The Carr/Hopps Street site is the Council’s final Housing Market Renewal Programme area and PlaceFirst were confirmed as preferred development partner in October 2015.
Under the proposals submitted to the Council, PlaceFirst are now demolishing a central cluster of 34 properties between Carr Street and Richardson Street. The cleared site will be used by the contractors working on the new homes in the interim, and will become a centrepiece garden square upon completion of the new homes, many of which will overlook the new public space.
The works commenced at the start of February and should take 8-weeks to complete.
Upon completion there will be circa 75 new homes comprising 1/2/3 bedroom houses available for private rent directly with PlaceFirst who design, build, and manage a growing portfolio of high quality, fair value homes for aspirational households who are unable to access home ownership.
Martin Ellerby, Head of New Business & Innovation at PlaceFirst said, “The demolition works is the first step in realising our vision for this historic neighbourhood of Hartlepool. We are all very excited about this project and are looking forward to seeing the cleared site which will ultimately become a fantastic green space overlooked by new family homes.
“PlaceFirst will set new standards in private renting for families across Hartlepool through this project. We are working with our design team on some really exciting and distinctive homes, and are confident this development will offer something new to the local housing market. Our commitment to quality homes and great customer service, combined with proximity to good schools, shops, green spaces and the town centre, will be an attractive offer to aspirational households looking for something special”.
Councillor Carl Richardson, Deputy Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and a local councillor for the Victoria Ward, said: “I am really excited the developer has started the first phase of demolition in the Carr/Hopps Street area.
“34 houses are being demolished in this phase to make way for temporary site offices and it is expected to take around two months to complete.
“This scheme will not only provide much-needed quality homes for rent but help significantly to breathe new life into the central area of town.
“The start of demolition work represents a major milestone in completing the redevelopment of the site.”
For further information please contact Martin Ellerby, PlaceFirst
e-mail: [email protected]
tel: 0161 434 4720 / 07917 344 953
Notes to editors:
- PlaceFirst aims to deliver 1,000 rental homes across the North of England by 2019 as as the business grows into a leading provider of high quality, fair value build-to-rent housing in the UK.
- In addition to the proposed homes at Carr/Hopps Street, PlaceFirst are actively delivering PRS (private rented sector) homes across the North-West including 106 homes in the West End area of Morecambe; 125 homes at Woodnook, Accrington; and 27 homes at Walton Street, Colne.
- PlaceFirst are also working with Liverpool City Council to develop a deliverable masterplan for The Welsh Streets, once of the largest empty homes projects in the UK
- Energy efficiency is a key feature of all PlaceFirst developments, recognising that lower income families in particular, feel the ‘squeeze’ on rising utility costs. On average, a typical PlaceFirst refurbished house improves energy efficiency by over 50%.
- PlaceFirst have a Flickr gallery including high res images of properties before, during, and after their remodelling and refurbishment – all images available for download.
- PlaceFirst homes are let on a 12-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) which customers can renew with no administration charges. PlaceFirst customers also benefit from a transparent, index-linked annual rent review, and the knowledge that they can rent their home for as long as they choose to.
- PlaceFirst are committed to improving the image of private renting and, in addition to the usual credit checks and references, potential customers are asked to sign a neighbourhood agreement that promotes and rewards good customer behaviour.