Housing regeneration scheme wins top award

Published Wednesday, 15th May 2019

A housing regeneration scheme that has transformed almost 200 empty and derelict terraced properties in the centre of Hartlepool into modern, high-quality homes has scooped a top regional award.

The Green, developed by Placefirst in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, was recently named as the winner of the Residential Property category at the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2019, North East.

A total of 175 old Victorian terraced properties in Carr, Hopps and Jobson Streets off Hart Lane have been converted into 88 two, three and four bedroom homes for rent - all sited around a communal green.

The judges praised the quality of the new properties, both internally and externally, and noted how the central green, which includes children’s play equipment, is bringing the local community closer together.

Christopher Akers-Belcher, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The Green is an outstanding example of a successful housing regeneration scheme and this award is very well deserved endorsement of the quality of the work carried out.

“The transformation of an area beset by problems typically associated with housing market failure has been nothing short of amazing, and it is great to see how new life is being breathed into this part of the town centre.

Denise McGuckin, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods; Rebecca Tupling, Placefirst Resident Services Advisor; Tim Wynn, the Council’s Strategic Asset Manager, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, and Amy Waller, the Council’s Principal Housing Officer (Place).

Denise McGuckin, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods; Rebecca Tupling, Placefirst Resident Services Advisor; Tim Wynn, the Council’s Strategic Asset Manager, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, and Amy Waller, the Council’s Principal Housing Officer (Place).

David Smith-Milne, Managing Director of Placefirst, said: “Demand for homes at The Green has been absolutely unbelievable and we are so proud of what has been achieved.

 “We have enjoyed a great working relationship with Hartlepool Borough Council over the past several years and we are delighted that our successful partnership has been recognised with this prestigious award.

“By winning the regional award, we now go through to the national final and, hopefully, we can win that too.”