Banks wins tender to deliver 'landmark' scheme

A County Durham housebuilder is set to deliver its first homes in Northumberland after securing a contract to develop the latest phase of a new residential scheme in Morpeth.

Banks Homes has been appointed by Homes England to build 52 family homes as part of phase 2a of the Cottingwood development, located off Northgate on the northern edge of the town.

The scheme will comprise a range of bespoke four and five-bedroom properties designed to reflect the wider Cottingwood masterplan.

Each home will include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and smart heating systems as standard.

Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, with the first homes due to be completed next summer.

The appointment marks Banks Homes’ first residential development in Northumberland since the County Durham-based business launched three years ago.

Part of the Banks Group, the housebuilder has established a growing portfolio of developments across the North East and Yorkshire, with sites currently under construction in West Rainton, Yarm, Wynyard and Hambleton, North Yorkshire.

Work is also due to begin at several further locations in the coming months.

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Homes, said: “Cottingwood is a landmark project for Northumberland and 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 and this is the latest stage of the company’s growth journey, with much more still to follow.”

The Cottingwood scheme forms part of Homes England’s wider regeneration of the former St George’s Hospital site.

Outline planning permission has been granted for up to 875 homes, alongside a local centre, restaurant and public open space.

Work is already under way on the first phase of the development, while Homes England is progressing plans for the remaining phases and identifying housebuilders to deliver the third and fourth stages of the project.

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 and supports the continued regeneration of the area.

“We look forward to working closely with Banks Homes to deliver a high-quality development that will create lasting benefits for the community.”

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