New homes will complete the jigsaw

Work on the last piece in the jigsaw of the regeneration of Norfolk Park in Sheffield has begun, paving the way for the building of up to 69 new homes.

Demolition on an empty row of 1960s shops on Park Grange Drive is under way and due to be completed by the end of this month.

The site will then be developed by Sheffield Housing Company, providing as many as 69 two, three and four bedroomed houses for sale and rent.

Sheffield Housing Company is a partnership between Sheffield City Council, Keepmoat Ltd and Great Places Housing Group. It plans to build 2,300 new homes in the city over the next 15 years.

The company is already building 116 homes at Cutler's View in Norfolk Park, where some have already been sold and more homes are available to buy now.

Work to regenerate the Norfolk Park area of Sheffield began with the demolition of 15 unpopular tower blocks, the last of which came down in April 2005.

A new community has grown out of the new, mixed-tenure housing which was built in its place, complemented by a purpose built new primary school, Guildford Grange extra care scheme and a development of affordable ‘green' homes.

Development of the former shops is the final piece of the jigsaw, and representatives from Sheffield City Council, Norfolk Park Tenants' and Residents' Association, and Sheffield Housing Company visited the Park Grange Drive site as demolition work started.

Councillor Harry Harpham, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “I'm delighted that work can start on this site at last. The withdrawal of Housing Market Renewal Funding by the Government in 2011 put this scheme on hold but we were determined to find new ways to push ahead with it.

“We appreciate that it's not been easy for local residents to live near this site, but I'm really looking forward to seeing new family housing built here, creating jobs and training opportunities during construction.”

Tom Fenton, Project Director with Sheffield Housing Company, added: “I know some people have felt this had become a bit of an eyesore in recent times but now the local community can look forward to a complete transformation of the site.  It is our mission to provide modern, sustainable and adaptable homes for sale and rent improving the quality and choice of housing right across the city.”

All of the new properties will reach the Lifetime Homes standard, making adaptations easier to allow people to remain living independently for as long as possible.  In addition, 15 per cent will be completed to Mobility Standards and 10 per cent will be fully wheelchair accessible. 

To make an advanced reservation on a Sheffield Housing Company home, please call Keepmoat's home sales executive on 07814 389 374 or visit www.keepmoat.com.