Construction is now under way on a new housing development in Nottinghamshire that will turn a vacant brownfield site into supported homes for young people.
Backed by £290,000 from the Mayor of the East Midlands’ Brownfield Housing Fund, the development will create 30 homes in Arnold designed to help young people build confidence, develop life skills and live more independently.
Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) is redeveloping the former care home site on Duoro Drive, with Gelder Ltd appointed as the main contractor.
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through my Brownfield Housing Fund, we’re bringing underused sites back into use to help build the homes our communities need.
“Developments like this in Arnold show how the right investment can breathe new life into neglected land and create much-needed homes for local people.”
The former care home was deemed no longer fit for purpose following a review by Nottinghamshire County Council and has since been demolished. Work will now begin to turn the vacant site into new properties, helping to meet local housing needs and making better use of land that has stood empty.
The £6 million development will include 22 one-bedroom flats and a mix of two- and three-bedroom houses, alongside a staff office and communal hub. The homes will be available through both social and affordable rent.
They have been designed to high environmental standards to help residents reduce their energy bills and environmental impact.
Fran Cropper, NCHA assistant director of development and sales, said: “We’re delighted to be regenerating this site, providing much-needed supported homes designed to modern, sustainable standards and creating a welcoming, empowering environment for young residents.
“NCHA is so grateful for the support from the East Midlands Combined County Authority, Homes England, Nottinghamshire and Gedling councils in getting this scheme on site. This has been a true partnership project.”
The development is expected to be completed in autumn 2027 and is supported through Homes England’s Strategic Partnership with NCHA, helping to increase the supply of affordable homes across the East Midlands.
It is one of four NCHA developments backed by the Mayor’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Nearly £1.94 million has been invested across four schemes, helping to bring underused land back into use and delivering a total of 159 homes across the East Midlands.
Brownfield land is land that has previously been developed and is now derelict or underused. Building homes on these sites helps deliver much-needed housing while making better use of land that already has existing infrastructure and community connections.
Other NCHA developments being supported by EMCCA include Bowbridge Road in Newark, where 88 affordable homes are being built on a site that has stood vacant for more than a decade.
Meanwhile, Burns Lane, Warsop, will provide 19 homes, including 15 for affordable rent and four for shared ownership, creating additional housing opportunities for individuals and families in the area.
The funding will also support the delivery of 12 of the 22 homes planned at Old Whittington, Chesterfield, comprising 16 for social rent and six for shared ownership, helping local people access both affordable rented housing and a route into home ownership.
Councillor Lynda Pearson, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy, said: “Having a safe and secure home can make a world of difference to a young person’s life. It’s great to see this site being brought back into use and turned into somewhere that will give young people the support and stability they need as they take their next steps. I know these homes will make a real difference to the people who live here and their futures.”
Steve Gelder MBE, CEO of Gelder Group, said: “As a Lincolnshire-based contractor, we are particularly pleased to be involved in a project that combines investment in affordable homes with a strong social purpose. We look forward to working collaboratively with our partners to bring the redevelopment of Leivers Court to completion in autumn 2027.”
