Esh Construction has been awarded a £23 million contract by Thirteen Group to build 96 new affordable homes in Sunderland.

Located in the Hendon area, the development will include 75 two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses and 21 two-bedroom bungalows. All homes will be available for affordable rent.

Supported by Homes England, the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, Sunderland City Council, and local charity Back on the Map, the project is part of a wider effort to meet growing housing demand and regenerate key areas of the city.

Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Esh Construction, said: "We take pride in delighting our clients and their customers; therefore, we are thrilled to build on our successful collaboration and valued partnership with Thirteen Group by securing this latest contract award.

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"Alongside the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, we will engage within the local community by providing local employment, apprentice training and procurement opportunities, and delivering award-winning school engagement initiatives to support the next generation into their future careers."

The scheme is backed by £1.9 million from the North East Combined Authority's Brownfield Housing Fund, which recently received an additional £17 million due to its success. It follows the allocation of £4.8 million for housing in the first phase of the nearby Sheepfolds neighbourhood.

Matt Forrest, Chief Executive of Thirteen, said: "We're excited to be providing much-needed affordable homes for people in Sunderland through the redevelopment of this key site.

"It's been a long time in the making but all of the partners involved have shown an unwavering determination to help us make it happen, and we're really grateful for their support.

"As well as building high-quality, energy efficient homes, we're looking forward to building great relationships with local people and communities."

Preparatory works are due to begin this month, with construction starting in September. The homes are expected to be completed by 2028.