Much-needed homes being built on garage sites

Harborough District Council is redeveloping its former council-house garage site in Paget Road, Lubenham to create three attractive, two-bed terraced houses and one bungalow.

Working with a number of partners, the council is turning the sites into new homes which will be available at low market value as part of the Government’s ‘Help To Buy’ scheme to assist people finding it difficult to get on to the property ladder.

Corby-based construction company, Jeakins Weir will carry out the building work which is scheduled for completion in September 2016. Jeakins Weir was selected to build the homes through the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework – managed by Scape Group – which helps public sector organisations secure high-quality construction work while saving money for the taxpayer. 

Although the council no longer has housing stock, it had retained a number of former council-house garages in the district. In October 2015, the council’s Executive agreed a business case to look into developing these sites as the council looks to get the best use of its assets for the benefit of taxpayers.

Plans are also underway to develop another former council garage site in St Cuthbert’s Road, Great Glen.

Cllr Phil King, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for financial and commercialisation services, said: “This is an exciting project which will really benefit those people struggling to get on the housing ladder. Transforming these former garage sites into attractive, low market value new homes offers an opportunity to provide capital which can be re-invested for wider community benefits.”

Alistair Weir, managing director of Jeakins Weir, said: “We are delighted to be working with Harborough District Council on this housing development. The houses embrace modern construction techniques, and will sit well in their surroundings.”

Paul Bignell, regional business manager for Scape said: “This project will mean that more families will be given the opportunity to own their own home in Leicestershire. This is one of a number of affordable housing schemes delivered by construction firm Jeakins Weir and the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) that are taking place in the region.”

To register an interest in the new properties contact Connells Estate Agents

 

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Contacts for further information

Harborough District Council – Matt Howling at communications@Harborough.gov.uk

Jeakins Weir - Sophie Lindsay at sophie.lindsay@jeakinsweir.co.uk

East Midlands Property Alliance - Sarah Howells at sarah@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk

Connells – Stephen Haskins – Stephen.Haskins@connells.co.uk