The £9.2 million transformation of a brownfield site into high quality, affordable housing has begun in Castleford.

Leeds Federated Housing Association (LFHA) and WDH are working with main contractor Esh Construction to deliver 82 new homes at Pemberton Road which will be available for affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership.

The development will appeal to all demographics, from families to professionals, as well as downsizers, with Castleford boasting excellent transport links to the M62.

Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration at Wakefield Council, said: “We are delighted to be part of these new affordable homes at Pemberton Road, and are pleased to have a strong partnership with Leeds Federation and WDH and to see them create this very positive, and much needed housing initiative.

“The Council recognises that we need high quality housing in our district that is affordable that socially focused landlords can provide, and this is what our partners will provide here. These new homes will provide people with the opportunity to own or rent their own home at an affordable rent, which we especially welcome and I look forward to seeing the development of this new neighbourhood.”

Designed by Leeds-based Brewster Bye Architects and supported with Homes England funding, Pemberton Road will be a mixed-tenure development with a blend of different sized family homes and four bungalows.

LFHA purchased the 2.2-hectare patch of land from Wakefield Council in 2020. Robin Machell, Leeds Federated Board Member, said: “Leeds Federated are really excited to work with Esh, WDH and our other partners to build these high quality, affordable and very desirable homes which we are sure will be much sought after.”

The land is being jointly developed by Leeds Federated and WDH, with each provider managing 43 units and 39 units respectively. Sue Young, Executive Director of Investment from WDH, said: “We are really pleased to see work beginning on site at Pemberton Road. This new development will provide high quality homes, regenerating land that had become unused and overgrown.

“As a business, we are proud to be able to create long lasting, confident communities and build new homes in places where we have a high demand such as Castleford. This scheme will further enhance the area, providing more local people with a range of modern living options.”

Esh Construction was appointed as the design and build contractor for the development. Stuart Leslie, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, added: “We are pleased to get underway on this new development and once again work in partnership with Leeds Federated and WDH.

“As a local contractor, we will maximise the economic benefit for our clients and the community through responsible procurement of local sub-contractors and supply – something which is paramount across all Esh Construction schemes.”

The first new homes will be available for residents in Summer 2022.

To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk