We are delighted to share that construction has started on our latest development at Crosstree Park, in the Downhill area of Sunderland.
Working in partnership with longstanding contractors EQUANS, we are investing £7.4 million into creating high quality new homes in the area. The exciting project, that has been awarded funds by Homes England, will see 41 two, and three bedroom houses and two bedroom bungalows created on the site.
Most of the homes at Crosstree Park will be available for affordable rent, which is calculated at 20% less than market rents for the area. Gentoo is also supporting local people with an affordable home ownership option. A proportion of new homes on the site will be made available for people to purchase through Shared Ownership, a part-rent, part-buy government-backed scheme that supports people onto the property ladder.
Crosstree Park is the launch pad for Shared Ownership with Gentoo. The scheme makes it easier for aspiring homeowners to buy an affordable share in a new property. We are looking ahead to September 2022, when sales of homes on this development will officially launch.
In a drive towards investment in sustainable technology, the homes at Crosstree Park will include a range of sustainable technology including:
- air source heat pumps
- smart meters
- photo-voltaic panels
- full fill cavity wall insulation
- electric vehicle charging points
The technology will make the most of renewable energy and is designed to help keep tenants energy bills low.
Joanne Gordon, Development Direct at Gentoo Group said:
“We’re committed to building affordable homes for the people of Sunderland and this project kick-starts an exciting time for us here at Gentoo as we launch Shared Ownership for the first time.
“Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, and through our Shared Ownership offer we're helping to make the process easier and more affordable”
Louise Buckton, New Build Director at EQUANS, said:
“We’re delighted to be working in close partnership with Gentoo to deliver high-quality, affordable, homes for residents in Sunderland.
“Crosstree Park will open up new routes for people to own or rent a new home, and the development will create a vibrant neighbourhood which will complement the wider regeneration of the area.”
Cllr Iain Scott, Deputy Cabinet Member, Sunderland City Council said:
“This is an excellent new development that further confirms Gentoo’s commitment to providing quality, affordable homes within the City of Sunderland.
“I’m delighted that Gentoo are launching their Shared Ownership offering, making the opportunity of buying your own home accessible to even more of our residents.”
The new development is part of our planned £172 million investment into affordable housing in the city, with ambitious plans set to create a further 1200 new homes for rent in Sunderland by 2026.
