Residents take a tour of development (From Dudley News)

Residents take a tour of development

10:09am Friday 24th August 2012 in Dudley Council Noticeboard

Residents involved in a multi million pound housing development were taken on a special tour recently to see how the works are progressing.

The residents were joined by Dudley’s cabinet member for housing, libraries and adult learning, ward members and representatives from Bromford, Keepmoat Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency as they got to see first hand the final stage in the redevelopment of Dudley’s former North Priory housing estate.

Contractors, Keepmoat Homes began work earlier in the summer to build another 214 homes on the new development, now known as Friars Gate following the successful completion of the first phase earlier this year.

This was made possible as Dudley Council had worked with affordable housing provider and developer Bromford to secure a further £2. 7million from the government’s Homes and Communities Agency to complete the scheme.

The development is also providing employment opportunities.  Six local apprentices are working on the scheme and two Dudley based companies are providing glazing, roofing and wall insulation.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for housing, libraries and adult learning, said:

“There’s a huge amount of work involved in this final stage of the development but it’s encouraging to see how much work has already taken place in the last couple of months. 

“It’s great that this project is not only able to provide quality and affordable homes for local people but that it’s also providing much needed employment opportunities for individuals and local businesses, which will ultimately help to boost the local economy.”