We’re proud to share that the largest regeneration of existing social homes in the North East – delivered in partnership with Gentoo and RE:GEN North East – has been shortlisted for the Residential Project of the Year at the Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) Awards.
The £19 million upgrade of 1,118 homes in the Pennywell area of Sunderland is a shining example of what true collaboration and community investment can achieve.
Born from Gentoo’s vision to improve the local area and enhance homes for residents, the project has successfully delivered wide-ranging improvements, including: loft insulation, new windows, fences, and roofs, rendering and wall repairs and garage conversions.
Together with Gentoo, we delivered over £1.5 million in social value, creating lasting impact beyond the homes themselves. This included:
- 42 people gaining apprenticeships or full-time employment in the construction industry, supported through the RE:GEN Academy
- 41 of those individuals coming from the Sunderland area
- 4 Gentoo customers securing jobs through the programme
- A £25,000 investment in The Bread and Butter Thing, helping around 80 local families each week with affordable food shops
- A £20,000 investment into the Pennywell Community Centre
- £115,000 spent on local businesses
Jonathan Horner, Managing Director of RE:GEN North East, said: “Winning the Pennywell project was always about more than just securing a contract. This was a real opportunity to invest in people.
“I’m immensely proud of our team and the impact we’ve made – from tangible upgrades to the homes themselves, to life-changing opportunities for local people.”
“From the outset, the project was guided by a shared set of core values, redefining the traditional client-contractor relationship. Our partnership with Gentoo focused on collaboration, transparency, and efficiency – setting new standards across the sector. Together, we’ve created something that goes far beyond construction – we’ve helped shape a brighter, more sustainable future for the Pennywell community.
Marc Edwards, Executive Director of Property at Gentoo said: “I’m delighted to hear the Pennywell regeneration project has been shortlisted in the CENE awards. I’m extremely proud of the work Gentoo and RE:GEN have achieved together. Not only did thousands of our customers benefit from improvement work to their home, the project improved the lives of the wider Pennywell community. This investment has made such a difference to the community and will leave a long lasting legacy, making this announcement well deserved.”
Congratulations to everyone involved!
