RE:GEN North East is proud to mark the official start of work on Hilltop Park in Pennywell, Sunderland, working collaboratively with Gentoo to deliver 294 sustainable homes that will play a vital role in meeting the city’s urgent housing need.
Hilltop Park is a major step forward in the regeneration of Pennywell and a key part of Gentoo’s Affordable Homes Programme, supported by Homes England, the scheme reflects the shared commitment to building sustainable communities and improving lives.
Louise Bassett, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo Group, said: “Hilltop Park is a landmark development for Gentoo and for Sunderland. By working in partnership with RE:GEN North East, Sunderland City Council and Homes England, we’re tackling housing needs head-on and delivering sustainable, affordable homes that help communities thrive. I’m confident this development will transform the local area socially and economically, and it shows what can be achieved when we work together.”
Homes will include a mix of houses, bungalows and apartments, featuring air source heat pumps, solar panels, smart meters and EV charging points, alongside open spaces for the community.
Hilltop Park is an exciting project for RE:GEN Group, creating substantial social and community value, as well as homes for more than 1,500 people, the project will create 198 construction jobs, and employment and training opportunities across the construction industry, bringing vital upskilling pathways to the community.
Lee Francis, Chief Executive Officer of RE:GEN Group, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Gentoo on this project to bring new homes to Sunderland. Our company’s roots are here, and everything we do is driven by our commitment to enhancing the lives of local families and the wider community.
“We are proud to be able to bring more employment opportunities to this site through our dedicated Academy and to invest in social-value projects that are best positioned to make a meaningful impact where it is needed most.”
The development has been strongly supported by Homes England. Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“Hilltop Park is an excellent example of how we work with our partners to build new communities that people can be proud to call home. It’s great to see Gentoo breaking ground on their largest and most ambitious housing scheme to date, and we look forward to seeing the site progress over the coming years.”
Local leaders have also welcomed the investment. Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, Minister for Women and Equalities and MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, added: “This Labour government promised to get Britain building again and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“By building more affordable homes we’re boosting economic growth, creating good local jobs and helping people get onto the housing ladder.
“This is about action: spades in the ground, breathing new life into communities, and families finally getting the homes they need.”
The first homes are expected by summer 2027, with full completion in 2030, aligning with the North East Mayor’s priority to accelerate delivery of sustainable affordable homes.
A huge thank you to our wider network of consultants and partners involved in this project, included but not limited to RNJ Partnership, Blake Hopkinson Architecture, Billinghurst George & Partners, and Pegasus Group – whose expertise has helped bring Hilltop Park to this milestone.
