Esh Construction has handed over 20 new affordable homes at Fir View Gardens in Sheffield.

Working on behalf of Great Places Housing Group, the development has been delivered on a vacant piece of land off Osgathorpe Drive, close to the Earl Marshal Recreation Ground.

The two and three-bedroom homes have been built for affordable rent and include associated parking and landscaping. A fabric first approach was used in both design and construction, with maximising energy efficiency being a top priority.

Esh Construction’s Operations Director, Simon Woodward, said:

“Fir View was the first contract we were awarded through the Innovation Chain North framework, and it’s proved a real success for Esh in delivering energy efficient homes while providing added benefit to the community through school engagement, volunteering and community funding.”

Resident Ms Ahmed said she is over the moon with her new home. She added:

“Me and my family are so grateful for the opportunity to move into a new home. I’d previously been living in a smaller two-bedroom house that frankly was too cramped. Not everyone has the opportunity to buy a house or even rent privately due to the prices but everyone deserves to live with dignity and in comfort. And that’s what social housing is there for – families that genuinely need it. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and the best part is my kids are so happy and excited! The house itself is done up really nicely inside and out and I’m so proud it’s ours to live in. We’re hoping for many happy years in the house.”

A comprehensive social value plan has been delivered which has seen 133 weeks of employment delivered for residents within 10 miles of the site and 108 weeks of employment provided for previously unemployed people in the area. A further 250 learner hours were delivered in partnership with local schools and colleges while four full-time apprentices were hired, contributing to more than 230 apprentice training weeks during the project.

Woodward added:

“Throughout the build, we committed to making a difference in the community through our delivery of quality social value initiatives. To see the economic and employment uptake within 10 miles of the development has been a real triumph for our teams and showcases our ongoing commitment to our communities in the Yorkshire region.”

Fir View Gardens is one of the developments that Great Places Housing Group is delivering in South Yorkshire as part of the housing association’s commitment to build additional affordable homes in the area. Other projects include 50 homes at Riverdale Park in Doncaster and 51 apartments at London Road close to Sheffield city centre.

Commenting on the completion of the project, Nick Gornall, Director of Development at Great Places Housing Group, added:

“We’re delighted to have worked with Esh Construction at Fir View Gardens, which is a great example of our continued commitment to provide high-quality, much-needed affordable homes. Through our partnership with Esh we’ve not only achieved this but also contributed significantly to the local community. The comprehensive social value plan has helped provide valuable employment and educational opportunities for residents and underscores our shared commitment to delivering additional social value. Fir View Gardens is the latest in a series of projects for Great Places in South Yorkshire where we continue to experience high demand and need for our homes.”

Through Esh’s Greener Communities programme – which helps communities become greener by funding carbon reduction, environmental improvement, and education projects – a combined £6,500 was donated to Wybourn Allotment and Orchard Project, located just three miles from the new development.

The donation enabled Green Estates to provide a horticultural ranger with mental health first aid training to deliver sessions for residents at the project to the East of Sheffield city centre. A polytunnel was also installed to extend the growing season and an orchard developed with the aim of teaching residents about growing fruit and vegetables, and healthy eating by using seasonal produce and low-cost ingredients.

The scheme was delivered in partnership with Poole Dick Associates, Bowker Sadler Architects and Sutcliffe.

To find out more about Esh Group, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk