Esh Construction has unveiled the first 40 homes at its Union Village affordable housing project in central Middlesbrough.
The 145 new-build homes are being delivered on behalf of Thirteen Group and will provide a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, apartments and bungalows located off Union Street in Gresham.
Representatives from Esh and Thirteen accompanied partners from the scheme – Middlesbrough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Homes England – to look around the new homes during an unveiling event.
Mark Binns, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “Seeing the first homes handed over at Union Village is a proud moment for everyone involved. This project is the result of strong partnership working with Thirteen Group and all stakeholders, and it’s great to see our collective efforts coming to fruition as the first families start moving into high-quality, affordable homes in the heart of Middlesbrough.”
Matt Forrest, Thirteen’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing this site back into use and look forward to these high-quality new homes contributing to the revival of this great neighbourhood, right in the heart of Middlesbrough.
“Redeveloping brownfield sites like this is not without its challenges – it’s been a long time in the making but there has been an absolute determination to make this happen from all of the partners involved and it has been a real joint effort throughout.
“We have set a clear ambition to increase the housing supply across our operating areas and have delivered a record 650 new homes in 2024/25. Developments like Union Village are key to that, and to helping us meet the housing needs of our customers.”
The Union Village development has been supported by Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme. Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England, was on site for the event. He said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Thirteen to achieve their ambitions.
“The Union Village development is a prime example of how the agency works with partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to build the homes people need and create new thriving communities.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke added: “Gresham is a community I know really well, having previously been a councillor here. The Union Village development is really impressive and one that can help increase local pride in this area.
“The standard of these homes is excellent and I wish the families that are moving in all the very best. Let’s hope this is the first of many projects that can help give this important part of our town a positive future.”
Combining Union Village with developments at Kedward Avenue and Grove Hill, Esh is set to deliver more than 540 new affordable homes in partnership with Thirteen.
Seeing the first homes handed over at Union Village is a proud moment for everyone involved. This project is the result of strong partnership working with Thirteen Group and all stakeholders, and it’s great to see our collective efforts coming to fruition as the first families start moving into high-quality, affordable homes in the heart of Middlesbrough."
