Following the success of a mixed tenure development in County Durham, which completed last year, work on a second, much larger £60.4m phase, is now underway. Bishops Park saw 99 new homes delivered near to Auckland Park, on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland. Of these, 49 were for private sale, 20 for shared ownership and the remaining 30 for affordable rent.
Now, developer Vistry Partnerships North East, is partnering with County Durham based, not-for-profit housing association believe housing, to deliver a further 331 homes.
Believe housing has bought 100 of the properties that are being built, which it will make available for affordable rent and Rent to Buy, and has an option to buy a further 100. The remaining homes will be sold privately under Vistry’s Linden Homes brand.
The first residents are expected to move into the new phase two properties in early 2023 with completion of the build programme expected in October 2026.
Development Director with Vistry Partnerships North East, Andrew Rennie, said: “After the success of the first phase at Bishops Park, which helped increase both the choice and quality of housing for local people, we are delighted to be partnering with believe housing to create more affordable homes – and to further enhance this vibrant and sustainable community on the edge of Bishop Auckland.”
Kate Abson, Director of Development at believe housing added: “It’s great to see work starting at Bishops Park, where we look forward to providing much-needed affordable housing.
“We’ll have a mix of properties available, including bungalows and family homes for affordable rent, along with Rent-to-Buy properties – which enable customers to save towards buying their home.”
Image: (L-R) Vistry Partnerships North East Managing Director, Dave Brown; Vistry Partnerships North East Development Director, Andrew Rennie; Leader of County Durham Labour, Cllr Carl Marshall and Director of Development at believe housing, Kate Abson
