Work begins on second phase of £20m regeneration project

Construction has begun on the second phase of Aspire Housing’s £20m regeneration project in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Keon Homes has been appointed to build the Silkworks scheme, with work already underway to clear the site and prepare for the new homes.

Silkworks at Cross Street will deliver 43 new homes, including one-bed apartments and two and three-bed affordable rental properties.

The project is part-funded by Homes England and the Newcastle Town Deal as part of a collaborative effort to transform the area.

It is set to be completed by early 2026, providing sustainable homes for local people.

The third phase of the project is also in development, with planning applications already approved.

Dan Gray, executive director of Place at Aspire Housing, said: “It’s fantastic to see work starting on
the aspirational new Silkworks development at Cross Street. This second phase of the Chesterton and Crackley regeneration programme builds upon the exciting journey we started in 2018 when we first met with residents and put forward plans to transform the housing offer in the area.

“We were delighted to introduce 9 new homes in 2022 upon completion of the first phase, and now we’re looking forward to seeing the Chesterton community continue to grow and thrive as we prepare to build 43 new affordable homes to benefit residents for generations to come.”

Matt Beckley, partnerships director at Keon Homes, said: “It’s great news to get underway on phase two of Cross Street in Chesterton, building on the successful delivery of a previous nine bungalow scheme we completed for Aspire Housing. The latest development will involve the construction of 43 homes, consisting of a mix of high-quality one-bed apartments, along with two and three-bed properties. Importantly, it also continues momentum on a larger scale regeneration project in an area that badly needs affordable housing.”