4 November 2013
One of the UK’s most interesting public sector-led custom build initiatives is to be unveiled in two weeks when a detailed Prospectus will be published for the ‘Urban Pioneers’ scheme at Middlehaven, Middlesbrough.
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The project – masterminded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Middlesbrough Council – will provide 14 ‘ready baked’ serviced plots overlooking a new Urban Park. The 14 plots are typically 15m wide by 24m deep (just under a tenth of an acre).
The project envisages most of these being used to provide around two to three new terraced homes; though local businesses could also acquire a plot and build a home and a workplace for themselves alongside. Three of the plots are larger and on these enterprising self builders could club together to build a block of apartments – perhaps by forming a cohousing group. Custom build developers, local builders and architects are also being encouraged to come up with their proposals for the sites.
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The plots will overlook a new Urban Park, and will be close to the high level bridge. |
This is the sort of new custom build homes that are expected to be built. |
A Design Code has been produced that sets out some basic rules about the new homes – for example on some roof heights might be limited to two to three storeys; on others up to four storeys can be built.
The initial plots will be released through a two-stage competition, and the land is likely to be provided on a 999 year lease, with a minimal ground rent. It is understood the team behind the project are looking at a variety of flexible financial packages to help people buy the plots. And on the larger ones – where more than five homes might be built – the project could qualify for support from the Custom Build Investment Fund.
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Each plot can accommodate 2-3 homes. |
The larger plots are aimed at custom build developers or cohousing groups keen to build apartments. |
Construction work on the new Urban Park is currently underway and the aim is to select the preferred bidders for the custom build plots early in 2014 so they can start their construction work later in the year.
The Prospectus and Expression of Interest form are available to download from the Middlehaven website.
