Factory site homes scheme begins in Leicester
- Published
A £15m project to build affordable homes on an old factory site in Leicester has begun.
The 119 houses are the first phase in the redevelopment of the former British United Shoe Machinery works, a 30-acre site in Belgrave.
The city council said the scheme would include much-needed two, four and six-bedroom houses.
Once complete, the project is planned to consist of 1,200 homes, six play areas, shops and commercial units.
The site has been empty since the factory closed in 2002.
Leicester City Council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Abdul Osman, said: "I am delighted that this former industrial site is being brought back into valuable use to create new housing, including a mix of much-needed affordable housing.
"It is great to see the work is under way on what will become a prestigious development near the heart of the city's Belgrave community."
The affordable homes are funded by grants from the the Homes and Communities Agency, along with money from housing associations and New Growth Point government funding provided through Leicester City Council.