Work has started on the building of ten brand new, sustainable homes in Plymstock.
The spacious two, three and four bedroomed properties are being built on site of the former Morley Youth Centre, off Broadland Gardens.
The new development will see the direct delivery of new homes by the Council for the first time this century.
Heated with modern, energy-efficient technology, to help achieve low carbon living, particular attention has been paid to their design, so that they are adaptable and sustainable.
All of the homes will be available for sale on the open market, with work expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Housing and Communities, said: "I’m delighted to see work begin on this fantastic scheme.
“Direct delivery is the logical next step in our ambition to build the homes Plymouth really needs and I hope that that Broadland Gardens will be able to set the standard for what is to come.
“Now, more than ever, it is essential that the homes we build respond to the climate emergency. These houses will be entirely gas free, heated by air-source heat pumps, powered by solar panels and with electric vehicle charging as standard.
“These will be homes fit for the future and I can’t wait to see them complete.”
Local contractors Classic Builders have been selected for the build following a competitive tender process.
Director Fred Bennetton said: “We’re proud to be working with Plymouth City Council to build these important new properties.
“Everyone at Classic Builders is committed to creating long-term legacies for each of our projects – especially those in our home city.
“To achieve this, we’re employing Plymouth based tradespeople and supply chain partners to share the project’s economic opportunities and create a lasting sense of local pride.”
This development is funded through the Council’s Plan for Homes Investment Fund. Upon completion, the funding, plus any surplus or profit from the sale of the homes, will be repaid, back into Plan for Homes for the provision of housing elsewhere in the city.
The One Public Estate Team has worked with the Council and provided funding for upfront costs to unlock the land and bring forward homes as part of the Brownfield Land Release Fund. This has enabled the Council to accelerate the release of land for new homes, meeting local needs.
Paul Britton, who is the Regional Programme Manager for the SW, said: “It’s really positive that this site is now able to provide much needed homes in Plymouth and we look forward to working with the council on future schemes of this nature”.
The development will provide a range of two, three and four bedroom family homes and are currently for sale through local estate agent Lang, Town and Country
More information is available here
Since the Council transferred its housing stock to Plymouth Community Homes in 2009, the Council have played a strategic role in the market by helping and enabling housing to be built by partners and developers through the Plan for Homes.
This new venture will see the Council plan, design and build homes directly itself.