Regeneration contract fillip for Maple Grove

A NORTH WEST developer is to be the partner for a £35m regeneration scheme in Yorkshire.

Maple Grove Developments will work alongside construction group Morgan Sindall’s Lovell affordable housing division to deliver the scheme in Skipton, North Yorkshire for Craven District Council as preferred partner.

The scheme involves the construction of 220 new homes – 88 for affordable rent and low-cost home ownership and 132 homes for open market sale – as well as new retail outlets.

Lovell is responsible for the housing element of the scheme, valued at £28m, while Maple Grove, the development arm of Preston-based construction company Eric Wright Group, will be delivering the retail development.

The project is currently in its design phase, with construction expected to start in Spring next year and complete by 2015.

Paul Smith, chief executive of Morgan Sindall, said: ‘We look forward to working with Craven District Council to deliver this key mixed tenure development for Skipton. Demand for the provision of new affordable homes throughout the UK remains healthy.

“There is still a significant undersupply and the sector continues to be a priority for the Government. As one of the market leaders in the field, we are well positioned to take advantage of current opportunities.’