The first property of a wide-ranging programme to build hundreds of new council homes across Bolsover District has been completed.
The two-bedroom bungalow on Longcroft View in Whitwell has officially been handed over to Bolsover District Council from contractors Robert Woodhead Ltd.
This is the first home of up to 400 new council properties that could be built over the next four years and work is due to start imminently on the next 21 new properties on Sandy Lane/Thorpe Avenue in Whitwell. A further seven properties are currently being constructed at Doles Lane, three at Claylands Road and five more on Bakestone Moor in Whitwell with other properties being planned for Whaley Thorns, Shirebrook, Blackwell and Langwith.
Bolsover District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Sandra Peake said: “There is a huge demand for properties right across the District, so it is fantastic to see the first home built and ready for someone to move into.
“We’ve already built over 100 new council homes in the last four years and this new scheme, with a potential for up to 400 properties, will put us at the forefront of building council properties, creating good quality modern accommodation and investing in our neighbourhoods.”
David Pearson, Senior Project Manager at Robert Woodhead commented: “This is a milestone moment as it’s the first property to be completed of the 37 new properties being built in Whitwell. When you think this was a disused garage site six months ago and now we have a beautiful two-bedroom bungalow it is a phenomenal achievement.
“I am working on a daily basis with the Council to identify pieces of land that are underutilised or derelict that we can redevelop into new properties for Bolsover Homes.”
Speaking about the 21 new properties to be built on Sandy Lane and Thorpe Avenue, Bolsover District Council Chair and local councillor for Whitwell, Councillor Tom Munro said it had been a project close to his heart. “The properties on Sandy Lane and Thorpe Avenue are very dear to me as I was approached a few years ago by a relative of a tenant concerned about the number of empty properties in the area. So to be able to announce that we are starting work on building 21 new properties on this site is very exciting.”
