Work starts on £3 million Forest Town bungalow project

A £3 million project to build 17 bungalows in Forest Town for Mansfield District Council has begun.

Wates Living Space are constructing the affordable homes on Flint Avenue.

Executive Mayor Tony Egginton joined local ward councillor, Mick Barton and representatives from the affordable housing contractor to mark the laying of foundations at the new development.

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There will be one single-bedroom property and 16 two-bedroom properties, of which four will be wheelchair accessible. The work will also see the refurbishment of a community centre located on Flint Avenue and landscaping improvements to nearby public spaces, including the installation of outdoor fitness stations.

Mick Holling, Interim Regional Managing Director for Wates Living Space, said: “We’re pleased to have commenced work on this important project for Mansfield District Council. The environment where people live makes a tremendous difference to their quality of life and wellbeing and, once complete, the new bungalows will provide secure, comfortable homes for the people of Forest Town, replenishing local housing stock for future generations.”

Executive Mayor Tony Egginton added: “I am extremely pleased to see work progressing on this site. The development will provide much-needed bungalows, which will in turn free up family housing elsewhere. We are very proud to be leading the way in providing new-build, local authority owned, affordable housing.”

The houses will be designated for rental to people aged 60 and over who have been identified by the Council’s Homefinder service in the first instance. Residents currently living in Council accommodation, who wish to downsize and free up family housing for young families in the local area will be offered the new homes.

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Wates Living Space was appointed as main contractor through the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework agreement, which is managed by Scape.

The framework was established in 2008 by local authorities to improve the cost-efficiency of property services for local communities. Work is due for completion in winter 2015.