Stoke-on-Trent City Council has helped deliver new homes on the site of a redundant sports ground.
More than 150 homes are now being settled into by families, the majority of them first-time buyers.
The much-needed homes have been built on vacant land, off Biddulph Road, in Packmoor. The land was last used a decade ago as the Chatterley Whitfield Sports Ground.
Working in partnership with the city council, housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has developed the land into Hollington Grange - a 157-home estate complete with a children’s play area.
Thirty-nine properties on the site have been acquired by Stoke-on-Trent City Council as part of its commitment to ensuring decent homes for all. These homes will contribute to the city council’s housing target to deliver more than 3,500 new homes between now and 2030.
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “This site has been redundant for many years so I’m pleased that it has been re-developed into much-needed new housing, and it’s fantastic to see so many young families and first-time buyers moving onto the estate from inside and outside of the city.
“These new homes are another example of what can be achieved through partnership working and a shared ambition to deliver decent, high-quality homes in Stoke-on-Trent. They will also will play an important part in helping us to ensure all our residents have safe and warm places to live in and thrive.”
The houses range from three and four-bedroom detached, semi-detached and mews-style properties.
Almost all of the homes have now been sold on Hollington Grange.
Data show occupiers are:
- Aged between 26 and 30 (33%)
- Aged between 31 and 35 (33%)
- First-time buyers (66%)
- Were previously in private-rented accommodation (49%)
- Moved from up to five miles away (34%)
- Moved from 10 or more miles away (32%)
Councillor David Mountford, ward councillor for Great Chell and Packmoor, said: “The Hollington Grange development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the housing shortage we are currently experiencing, and making sure homes are decent for families.
“We know that families with stable and affordable housing are better equipped to invest in their local businesses and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the local area, so it is imperative that we acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of Keepmoat Homes to deliver affordable homes.
“Together we can work towards a future where everyone, regardless of where they come from, has a place to call home.”
As part of the development, the developer has restored the original gates at the former Chatterley Whitfield Sports Ground back to their original colour and donated them to The Friends of Chatterley Whitfield charity who will now look after them.
The developer also recruited a number of local companies to work on groundworks, tiling, painting and fencing at the new estate to make sure it stays well-kept and welcoming.
Peter Barlow, regional managing director at Keepmoat, North West, said: “It’s a privilege to work with the council to deliver high quality homes and regenerate an area that hasn’t been used in more than a decade.
“Keepmoat is committed to developing thriving communities that prioritise creating spaces where people want to live, supporting local people across Stoke-on-Trent to get on the property ladder. By working in partnership with the city council, we are able to bring new investment and excellent, multi-tenure housing stock.”
Hollington Grange is the latest in a range of new housing projects currently being developed in the city.
It builds on last year’s success when Stoke-on-Trent City Council welcomed residents to a new 22-home estate, off Newport Lane and Furlong Lane in Burslem, which was formerly occupied by Woods & Sons Stanley Pottery Works and Dalehall Mills.
Work is also nearing completion on Chatterley Court in Chell Heath, an over 55s scheme boasting 113 one and two-bed, accessible apartments.
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