Harworth: Work begins on landmark £5.7 million housing project

Work on the 43 new energy efficient properties - including flats, houses and bungalows - on Smith Square started on 1st September and will be completed across three phases in three years.

Construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd have been officially announced as the contractors, in addition to the confirmation of £1.02 million worth of Government funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, coun Simon Greaves, said: “In addition to providing new, energy efficient housing for Bassetlaw residents, this project is helping the local economy to grow with the creation of additional jobs, apprenticeships and community assets.”

Phase one of the work will see house numbers 17 and 18 Smith Square demolished to allow access to the former playing field where 19 properties will be constructed.

In phase two tenants living on Smith Square will move into the new homes and the remaining eight ‘Airey’ houses will be demolished to make way for 24 new properties.

And in phase three tenants living on Thompson Avenue, Common Lane and Styrrup Road will move into the new properties on Smith Square and the existing ‘Airey’ houses on Thompson Avenue will also be demolished.

Subject to further funding and resources, 28 new homes may also be developed on the former Thompson Avenue site, potentially taking the total to 71 new homes.

Don Spittlehouse, director for housing and technical at A1 Housing, said: “This is a great milestone for both A1 Housing and the council .”

“It will be the first time in more than 35 years we have embarked on a building project of this scale.”