Work starts on 'innovative' Hartlepool modular homes development, bringing much-needed affordable housing

Newholm Court, in the Seaton Lane area, will comprise 31 so-called modular homes that are made in a factory before being transported to and then completed on site.

The development is being created by the North East's biggest social landlord Thirteen in partnership with leading energy and services company ENGIE and ilke Homes.

Work began on site this month and the homes, which will all be for affordable rent, are due to be ready from March 2021.

Sharon Thomas, Thirteen’s director of strategic partnerships, said: “At Thirteen we are committed to providing high-quality homes for our customers to live in.

"The fantastic scheme at Newholm Court has brought additional investment and jobs to Hartlepool and will provide the town with much-needed homes.

“The modular houses will make an important contribution to meeting the housing needs within the borough and will help showcase the quality of factory-built homes to both prospective residents and members of the public.”

The development will be made up of a mix of two and three-bedroom properties.

They are currently being manufactured in a controlled factory environment by ilke Homes in Knaresborough, Yorkshire.

Matthew Bench, executive director of partnerships at ilke Homes, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Thirteen and ENGIE to deliver much needed affordable housing to Hartlepool.

"Modular manufacturing represents the perfect solution for forward-thinking housing associations, helping them to quickly deliver high-quality, energy-efficient affordable homes.”

Planning permission was granted by Hartlepool Borough Council last October, although the plans proved controversial.

A number of nearby residents opposed the new homes on the grounds of crime and fear of crime in the area.

Louise Buckton, new build director at ENGIE, said: “We use our land sourcing and construction platform to identify and secure land, plan, design and build properties right across the UK.

“These new homes will be a fantastic addition to Hartlepool, and as the project progresses, we look forward to working closely with our partners to provide new opportunities for local families and to support the regeneration of the area.”

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