Work begins on housing project

Sheffield Housing Company sod cutting at Brearley Forge

A CEREMONY has taken place to mark the beginning of work on the first of 2,300 new homes which are set to spring up on derelict land around Sheffield's estates.

The properties are being created by the Sheffield Housing Company involving Sheffield Council and private firms.

Coun Harry Harpham, cabinet member for housing, Eugien Jaruga, chairman of the Sheffield Housing Company, and Dave Sheridan, chief executive of building company Keepmoat, cut first the sod at the Brearley Forge development.

The site, in the Falstaff area, will have 142 new homes.

Coun Harpham said: “I'm delighted that even in a time of economic hardship, we're able to find innovative ways to build houses in the areas where regeneration is needed the most.”

Mr Sheridan added: “This is an exciting new regeneration development not only for Sheffield but for the region as a whole. The development, which has been named after Harry Brearley, inventor of stainless steel in Sheffield, will provide a much needed boost to the economy by developing new homes and creating jobs for local people.

“There will be a range of homes and house types that will appeal to many home owners and we look forward to unveiling these next year.”

Brearley Forge is one of three sites where new 305 homes are being built in the first phase of developments by the Sheffield Housing Company.

Work will also start soon on 47 homes in Shirecliffe and 116 homes in Norfolk Park.

More homes will be built in the next 15 years, to reach the total of 2,300.