A derelict former shopping centre in Wellingborough is to be demolished and 23 new flats will be built in its place.
Lindum Group is to knock down the old buildings in Lea Way, which had become a hub for antisocial behaviour in the town.
Our Peterborough Division will then build a complex of new homes for local housing association, Wellingborough Homes.
The development will deliver 12 affordable rent and 11 rent to buy properties that are due to be handed over in spring 2019.
Wellingborough Homes purchased the land from the Borough Council of Wellingborough and the site has benefitted from Homes England funding.
The Leader of the Council at Borough Council of Wellingborough, Martin Griffiths, said: “I know I can speak on behalf of my fellow councillors when I say that I am delighted to see Wellingborough Homes developing more affordable housing in the borough.
“We are proud of the co-operation that has been developed between the council and Wellingborough Homes. Together we have been working on initiatives to provide housing and keep people in their homes so long as is possible and this means that we should see a reduction in homelessness before too long.
“The Lea Way site has been a concern for some years, and it was very disappointing when the last much-anticipated sale fell through. But Wellingborough Homes was enthusiastic about pushing this project forward and is now in a position to start work on 23 homes.
“This borough – like many others – struggles to meet the demand for housing, so Wellingborough Homes’ new sites will be just what is needed.”
Lindum Group has an established track record of working with housing associations to provide much-needed affordable properties.
MD Mick Papworth said: “It is incredibly satisfying to be working on a project which will reinvigorate a part of the community which has fallen into disrepair.
“The site has been standing empty for a number of years and the plans to bring it back into use have been welcomed by local residents.
“While we have a great deal of experience working with housing providers, this is our first project with Wellingborough Homes and we look forward to developing a good relationship with them.”
The site is one of two development projects currently underway by Wellingborough Homes. The association is also working just off the A509 at Park Farm Way to develop 45 one, two and three bed properties.
Tim Davy, Chairman of Wellingborough Homes, said: “It’s a very proud moment when you can turn sites that have not been used for years and transform them into new affordable homes for local people. These two developments are very much part of our ambition of growth, and it is great that we can work with the Borough Council of Wellingborough and two well-respected developers such as Snowden Homes and Lindum Group to develop a diverse range of new homes to meet local needs.”
