Housing project milestone as estate show homes opened

Two stylish new show homes on the Sutton Meadows development were opened at a ceremony which included local residents Diane and Mark Key, who have recently moved into one of the new homes on the site.

The 27m development is being delivered by Gateway, Hull's neighbourhood regeneration agency in partnership with Rosa Homes and Southdale.

The scheme is currently in its third phase and comprises over 180 homes, 106 of which are already completed or under way. Work on the next 55 homes is expected to start in March following a successful bid for 2.9m Government funding.

Gateway is in the process of demolishing 260 sub-standard properties to the east of Mitcham Road to make way for the new, energy efficient homes.

Independent reports have shown that the old properties are structurally problematic and would be very expensive in the long term to put right. Residents also complain that they are very expensive to heat because of the underfloor heating.

The three-bedroom Sprite and the four bedroom Mystic homes which opened for viewing at the weekend are spread across three floors.

They have large kitchen-dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms, with an en-suite master bedroom, plus garage.

Mrs Key said: "Our old house was very expensive to heat, particularly in the winter. We are thrilled to be in our new home. It's in a lovely location overlooking the golf course and is much closer to our son's school.

"The regeneration of the area is a great thing and will lead to new people moving into the area, but in brand new houses."

The strategic director at Gateway, Pauline Davis, said: "Gateway and its partners are committed to transforming the housing in east Hull and this is just one example of how we are doing this."

Coun Rick Welton, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Hull Council, said: "The homes being built at Sutton Meadows are excellent quality and are designed to help reduce residents fuel bills."