Mears New Homes has been selected to build nearly 60 new 'affordable' homes in County Durham.

The new build housing division of Mears Group will deliver 48 new properties in Parkside, Seaham and 10 in Bowburn on behalf of County Durham Housing Group. Work on both sites in Heathway, Parkside and Surtees Avenue, Bowburn, is expected to begin imminently.

A total of 16 two-bedroom wheelchair adaptable bungalows will be developed in Heathway, as well as a pair of three-bedroom dormer bungalows and 30 three-bedroom houses. At Surtees Avenue, 10 three-bedroom family houses will be developed.


The project represents around 10% of County Durham Housing Group's recently expanded 545 home new-build programme. The £54 million scheme got underway in 2017 and will continue into 2021.

County Durham Housing Group Development Manager, Tom Winter, said: "Awarding this contract is a major step towards delivering new and much needed affordable housing in both Seaham and Bowburn.

"Both developments have been designed to closely match demand in their communities. By offering a mix of bungalows and family houses, as well as Rent to Buy opportunities, the new homes will be able to contribute towards the long-term future of both Seaham and Bowburn."

Chief Operating Officer of Mears Housing, Colin Middlemass, said: "We're delighted to be working with County Durham Housing Group on this project. This development will bring 58 new affordable homes that have been carefully designed to meet the needs of people in Seaham and Bowburn."

Tenants will move into the new homes in Bowburn and Seaham in phases from summer 2019.

(LM/CM)