Building work has officially started on the creation of 140 modern new council homes across two estates in Tamworth.
Tamworth Borough Council, working in partnership with appointed developers, energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE, is building new houses in Tinkers Green, Wilnecote, and the Kerria Centre in Amington, in the largest council house building programme in the town for a generation.
The £19million construction phase of this huge regeneration project officially got underway on Monday, October 1st, with a traditional sod-cutting ceremony at the Tinkers Green site attended by representatives from the partnership.
Paul Clarke, Regional Director for ENGIE’s Places & Communities division, added:
“So much planning, design and consultation has gone into the creation of these homes and it’s exciting to finally see them coming to life. We are committed to working with our partners across the West Midlands to create places where local people want to live, work and play, so we are honoured to have been given the opportunity to do that here in Tamworth.”
The 86 maisonettes that stood on the site were demolished last year to make way for 96 new homes. These will include 24 one-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom apartments, 44 two-bedroom houses, 19 three-bedroom houses and three four-bedroom houses. An existing play area will also be upgraded.
Demolition is currently underway at the Kerria Centre where the 36 existing maisonettes are being replaced with 44 modern new homes and a retail facility. The site will be made up of eight one-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bedroom houses and eight three-bedroom houses. Construction work at the Kerria site is due to begin this autumn.
Cllr Steve Claymore, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said:
“This regeneration project has been a long time in the planning so it’s great to see that the development work is really gathering pace now. The traditional sod-cutting ceremony marked the official start of construction work at Tinkers Green, with Kerria to follow soon, and we look forward to seeing the new homes taking shape in the coming months.”
Cllr Michelle Thurgood, Cabinet member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, said:
“As a council we are committed to providing quality social housing that is fit for 21st century living, and in the last two years we have built 19 new council homes at various sites across the borough. “However, it’s not just about building additional new homes. We also have to invest in our existing stock to ensure the homes we provide remain fit for purpose, and this was no longer the case at Tinkers Green and Kerria. This investment will provide modern, attractive houses that people will be proud to call ‘home’.”
Paul Clarke, Regional Director for ENGIE’s Places & Communities division, added:
“We’re delighted to be breaking ground with our partner, Tamworth Borough Council. So much planning, design and consultation has gone into the creation of these homes and it’s exciting to finally see them coming to life. There is demand for high quality affordable housing in the area so we are honoured to have been given the opportunity to breathe life back into Tinkers Green by transforming it into new homes for local people.”
Residents living near both development sites are being kept informed throughout the various stages of construction and this will continue as the project progresses.
Anyone who has any questions about the regeneration project can contact ENGIE customer care on 0800 652 5080, or via email at centralcustomercare.uk-kmr@engie.com.
People can also contact Tamworth Borough Council’s Housing Conditions and Supply Team on 01827 709709 or via email at housingconditions@tamworth.gov.uk.
Contact Linda Ram on 01827 709571, mobile 07791 782802, or email Linda-ram@tamworth.gov.uk or Michelle Eldred on 01827 709572, or email Michelle-Eldred@tamworth.gov.uk.
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