Working in partnership with Bernicia, RE:GEN North East are building 46 high quality new homes to help satisfy Sunderland’s affordable housing need.
The £11.4m scheme in Silksworth will provide a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes and two bedroom bungalows for social rent – meaning rents are set well below the UK market average.
The homes will help local people find a quality and affordable new place to call home.
This could include young couples starting out on the housing ladder, growing families looking for a larger home, or older people planning to downsize into a bungalow to retain their independence.
Bernicia will work with Sunderland City Council to ensure the homes are allocated to people in the city with the greatest housing need.
The homes will all feature the latest energy saving technology to substantially cut household bills.
Youngsters at nearby Farringdon Academy worked with Bernicia to name one of the streets in the new development Pepperwell Gardens and as a thank you for their hard work, Bernicia awarded the school £250 from its Community Investment Fund to purchase resources for lessons.
Jeff Boyd, Bernicia Development Director, said: “The housing mix has been carefully designed to respond to local demand, increasing the availability and choice of affordable homes while supporting the creation of a balanced and sustainable community.
“The development will also deliver significant environmental benefits. All homes will incorporate air source heat pumps and solar panels, ensuring they are highly energy-efficient, helping residents reduce their energy bills.
“Overall, the development will make a positive contribution to Silksworth by delivering much-needed affordable homes, widening housing choice for local people and creating a sustainable new community that will benefit residents for years to come.”
Councillor James Jackson, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration, said: “We are pushing hard for construction of more affordable homes in Sunderland, as we know that this allows our residents to enjoy a good quality of life in a high-quality property where they can grow roots and build a better life for themselves and their family.
“We’re proud of this partnership with Bernicia and look forward to seeing these new homes built and being made available for people in Sunderland.”
Lee Francis, CEO of RE:GEN Group, said: “As a purpose-driven organisation, we know that delivering high-quality homes safely and to the highest standards is only part of the difference a project like this can make.
“As works progress, we’ll be looking at ways we can engage with and support the local community, creating opportunities and making a positive difference beyond the homes themselves – something that is really important to this partnership.
“As a Sunderland-based business, we’re proud to be playing our part in delivering much-needed new social homes right here on our doorstep. Social housing is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re pleased to continue making a positive difference in the communities where we work.”
The scheme is due to be completed in late summer 2027.
