Work to transform the site of a former hospital into an exclusive development of new homes is now underway.

Housing provider Forge New Homes has appointed construction company Lindum Group to deliver 58 homes in the market town of Bolsover in Derbyshire.

Once complete, the scheme will provide a mix of three and four-bedroom properties on land off Welbeck Road.

The 6.5-acre site used to be home to Bolsover Hospital, which closed in 2019 and was subsequently earmarked for residential development.

To celebrate the beginning of construction work, a start on site ceremony was held.

The finished development will be called Welbeck Gardens and the homes will be available through social housing provider Together Housing Group.  It will bring much needed housing to Bolsover, a town rich in history with its prestigious Bolsover Castle and Britain’s only known Palaeolithic cave art at Creswell Crags.

Andy Beattie, Managing Director at Forge New Homes, said: ‘We are delighted to move this development forward, celebrating our start onsite with a sod cutting. It marks a momentous day for both Forge and Lindum Group as we join forces to bring affordable houses to Bolsover, a charming Northern town with a bonded community.

“We’re excited to bring new life to this historic location, and in the process contribute to the economy with the provision of new jobs as we create a vibrant neighbourhood with much needed family homes.”

Nick Atkin who is Chief Executive of Yorkshire Housing and Chair of Forge New Homes, added: “This progress is testament to the work Forge has been doing in expanding its offering across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Our strategy is to move forward with much needed new homes for all and I am proud to see this now becoming a reality.”

While Kevin Ruth of Together Housing Group added: “This site is another significant step in our work to help address the Sheffield City Region’s housing needs. We’re looking forward to seeing this scheme progress.”

Freddie Chambers, chairman of Lindum Group, said: “The first phase of work involves segregating and securing the site and then conducting the bulk earthworks to level the land.

“We will be installing the first section of drainage and infrastructure before moving on to the construction stage. We plan to hand the homes over in groups of four, with the first properties due for completion in April.

“We are delighted to be a part of the creation of this new development, working alongside Forge as we realise our vision for the regeneration of this important site.”

Forge New Homes purchased the site from Homes England in 2021, securing planning in 2022. Bolsover benefits from good schools and many public green spaces making it a popular choice for families to settle. Its nearest city, Sheffield, is just 18 miles away. Work on site began on Start 24th June 2024 and is estimated for completion by the end of June 2026.