Work begins to turn former fire station site into apartments
Construction has begun on the site of the former fire station on Stuart Road, Pontefract, where housebuilder WDH will provide 37 apartments.
The development forms part of Wakefield Council’s Reconnecting Pontefract Masterplan, which includes proposals for the redevelopment of priority areas around Pontefract town centre to better connect the historic town centre with the Castle, Racecourse and new leisure hub.
Built by Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction on behalf of WDH, the one and two-bedroom apartments are intended to provide much-needed affordable housing.
The properties, which will receive £1.665m funding from the Homes England Wave 2 programme, will all be available for affordable rent from WDH.
Andy Wallhead, chief executive of WDH, said: “We share Wakefield Council’s ambition of providing high quality homes and creating confident communities that people are proud to live in.
“This development in Pontefract is just one of many projects that complements other regeneration plans in the district designed to meet the needs of residents now, and for future generations.”
Sue Young, executive director of investment at the company, said: “It’s exciting to see work starting on site, helping to transform the town centre as part of Wakefield Council’s Masterplan.
“The central location of the apartments makes it a desirable place for those who enjoy being close to local amenities.”
Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “This forms part of a much larger programme of activity led by the council to increase affordable housing supply across our district, including the release of our own land to enable the delivery of high-quality affordable homes.
“Not only is this project creating affordable homes in the area, but it is improving the gateway to Pontefract, paving the way for future regeneration. This will help to support our ambitions for a thriving town centre.”
Richard Greenwood, director of housing at Caddick Construction, added: “As a local company, we know the importance of providing quality, affordable housing that allows families and young people to live, work or commute from within their local communities.
“This scheme will allow that and bring a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
The apartments are due to complete early 2023.
