Lindum Group has started work to convert an old garage site into 11 new affordable homes for City of Lincoln Council.

The project will bring a range of family properties, comprising two and three-bedroom homes, to Hermit Street. It is hoped the new homes will fill the gap for family homes within the area and create a sustainable community.

Procured through Pagabo’s Medium Works framework, each property will be council rented accommodation, equipped with air source heat pumps, two parking spaces, and an electric vehicle charging point.

A groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by City of Lincoln Council to mark the official start of the work.

Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Continued housing growth is a key need in Lincoln. This will ensure there is a sufficient availability of homes in the city to support economic growth and job creation. These high-quality homes will help meet that.

“Quality, affordable family homes in which people can feel safe and thrive is a fundamental element in creating a positive community and enhancing our society as whole. I am very pleased that this project is now under way.”

The garages have now been demolished to make way for work to begin on building the new community. There will be around 30 parking bays provided for residents as part of the work to replace some of the garages.

A landscaping scheme will also be provided for the entrance to Hermit Street to benefit the surrounding area.

Freddie Chambers, Lindum Group MD, was at the ground breaking ceremony. He said: “As a local contractor with more than 400 employees based in and around Lincoln, it’s great to be involved in a scheme that will provide quality, affordable housing to this part of the city. It is particularly pleasing to see family homes being built within walking distance of the city centre, too.

“As well as carrying out construction, Lindum is working to bring additional value to the community. We are helping to bring forward a landscaping initiative covering Hermit Street, Portland Street, and a green space on Monson Street.

“We will also be looking to engage with the local Nest Nursery and Preschool, donating some logs for their outside area and hopefully getting the children to come on a visit at the site. As a local construction company, we will always look to prioritise improving the local communities in which we are working.”

Adam Brumfitt, Regional Delivery Manager for the Midlands at Pagabo, said: “We’re delighted to see another influential project utilising our framework to appoint a contractor. Through using our framework, the City of Lincoln Council benefitted from expert advice and prompt contractor engagement, with full compliance. We have no doubt that Lindum Group will deliver this project to their usual high standards, and we can’t wait to see it when it’s completed.”