A regeneration partnership, established to revive communities and economies in the Durham coalfields, is building its 2,000th home.
The property is under construction at The Fell, Chester-le-Street, where the Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC) is constructing 78 two-, three- and four-bedroomed homes.
When completed — next year — the development will be the 32nd delivered by DVRC, a partnership between Durham County Council and Keepmoat Homes. In total these will comprise 2,059 homes, of which almost a quarter — 448 — are for affordable rent.
The show home at Chester-le-Street could potentially be DVRC’s 2,000th sale, dependent on purchases over the next few months.
With an average price of around £105,000, DVRC has, since establishment in 2001, consistently delivered homes within the reach of local, young people. Over 80% of the properties sold have been bought by those living within 10 miles of the development and around 60% by first-time buyers.
Ian Prescott, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “It’s rewarding to have reached this significant milestone, however as well as delivering 2,000 homes, as a partnership we have been committed to supporting the communities in which we work. This has been achieved through providing training opportunities, apprenticeships and jobs, which has helped retain young families in the Durham villages, boosting micro economies across the county.”
Cllr Carl Marshall, Chair of DVRC, commented: “It’s exciting to have reached this landmark figure in our quest to transform council-owned land with much needed new homes. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact DVRC’s developments are having across County Durham. From supporting local charities, schools and organisations to providing training opportunities for the next generation of construction workers.”
The Fell is one of four lives sites being developed by DVRC. The others include Coppice Heights, Dipton; Byron Mews, Seaham and Woodland Mews, Peterlee.
Header image shows Keepmoat Homes’ The Fell development at Chester-le-Street.
