Banks Homes will bring forward its first residential properties in Northumberland after winning a competitive Homes England tender for the latest phase of a new gateway development to the county.
The County Durham based firm will deliver phase 2a of the new Cottingwood development after securing the contract. It will see 52 family homes built on a 3.4 hectare site off Northgate on the northern edge of Morpeth.
Homes to be ready next year
Bespoke designs will shape the four and five-bedroom homes, reflecting the wider Cottingwood design code. Each will include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and smart heating systems as standard.
Banks is expecting to start work on site before the end of the year. By next summer, the first homes will be ready for occupation.
Part of North East employer the Banks Group, Banks Homes has quickly developed a portfolio of high-quality residential sites across North East England and Yorkshire since its launch three years ago.
Development is now well under way at its sites in West Rainton, Yarm, Wynyard and Hambleton in North Yorkshire. Over the coming months, Banks Homes will begin work in several new locations.
Russ Hall, Managing Director at Banks Homes, says, “Cottingwood is a landmark project for Northumberland. We’re extremely pleased to have been chosen by Homes England to deliver this part of it.
“The outstanding design and build specifications we work to, our use of sustainable technologies that future-proof our homes and the comprehensive development programme that we will be working to have all combined to provide the ideal package for this gateway site to the county.
“The fact that much of the required development infrastructure and high-quality public realm is already in place will enable us to make a fast start on site and we’re ready to begin work as soon as we can.
“Banks Homes has quickly established itself as an innovative, high-quality contemporary housebuilder within the North East and Yorkshire residential property markets. This is the latest stage of the company’s growth journey, with much more still to follow.”
Building a community
The Banks Homes site forms part of the Cottingwood estate, which Homes England is developing for up to 875 homes. Additionally, it also includes a local centre, a restaurant and public open space on the former St George’s Hospital site.
Work is already ongoing on the first phase of the project. Homes England are currently working to identify the housebuilders who will deliver its third and fourth phases.
Julie Robinson, Head of Disposals at Homes England, added, “We are pleased to confirm the exchange of contracts with Banks Homes to bring forward the development of these key gateway sites.
“This represents an important milestone in the delivery of the wider Cottingwood development. It supports the continued regeneration of the area.
“We look forward to working closely with Banks Homes to deliver a high-quality development that will benefit the community.”
