Northamptonshire set to get 8,500 homes after £70m investment

Around 8,500 new homes will be built across Northamptonshire after the government pledged to invest £70m into the area.

The two new residential schemes, paid for by a loan from the government’s housing delivery agency Homes England, will create 5,500 homes in Kettering and an initial 3,000 homes in Wellingborough.

The government said that the two schemes – which have a projected combined value of £2.5bn across their planned 20 year lifetime – will also create around 3,000 jobs along with schools, leisure and commercial space.

The investment has been agreed as part of Homes England’s £4.5bn Home Building Fund, which funds development and infrastructure for home builders.

The £70m loan will be used to create roads, utilities and other works to enable the two schemes to be delivered.

Housing minister Kit Malthouse said: ‘I am delighted to hear shovels are already in the ground as builders set about delivering 8,500 much-needed homes so more people can realise their home-owning dream.

‘We are making the housing market work, and Homes England’s £70m loan will unlock the development so we can invest in the properties our country needs.’

The two schemes will be implemented by three delivery partners: Long Harbour, Midtown Capital and Buccleuch Property.

Particular attention will be paid to public areas and the local landscape, with the design of both schemes set to take inspiration from the surrounding countryside.

Aldred Drummond of Long Harbour said: “The delivery partners have combined our respective expertise in planning, development, construction and finance to optimise the potential of these sites, providing much-needed homes and jobs in this superbly connected location.

‘We are delighted that our investment, supported by Homes England, will have a positive impact on the future prosperity of this wonderful part of England.’

A representative for Homes England said that it is working with partners across the country to build homes where they are most needed.

Sir Edward Lister, chairman of Homes England said: ‘Providing infrastructure upfront is key to unlocking significant housing growth.

‘Homes England’s investment in Kettering and Wellingborough will enable two major housing projects to be delivered after many years of delay.’