South Shields council flats transformed into family homes

Work has been completed on the first of several much needed family homes which have been converted from council flats on a South Shields estate.

Two single person flats in Horsley Hill have been transformed into a modern two-bedroom house for a family to rent.

First through the door to look at the new property were leader of South Tyneside Council Iain Malcolm and Dorothy Harrison from the local residents’ association. They were given a guided tour by staff from South Tyneside Homes who have carried out the work on behalf of the council.

Councillor Malcolm, who is also a local councillor said: “One of the highest demands we have is for family accommodation. Turning small, unwanted flats into quality family homes will transform living conditions by easing overcrowding and will bring more families back onto the Horsley Hill estate.

“The scheme agreed by the council in October is for 34 low demand flats to be turned into 17 two and three bedroom homes in Norham Ave South, Norham Ave North and Farne Ave.

“Once the properties have been converted they will be advertised and let to families through the Council’s choice based lettings service. This will help other people who are on the housing waiting list.”

The work to complete the conversion included relocating the bathroom in the ground floor to upstairs, creating a new kitchen and dining area, as well as the upstairs kitchen becoming a second bedroom.

The house was also fully re-wired and the heating system upgraded. As both the flats had already been improved and upgraded through the borough-wide Decent Homes Programme many of the materials and units were recycled.

Over the coming months plans are in place to convert more single person flats to family homes in Horsley Hill, with work starting shortly on another pair of flats in Norham Avenue.

John Musson, South Tyneside Homes’ director of housing and service improvement, said: “There is a huge demand in the borough for council homes that are suitable for families and the work we are undertaking in Horsley Hill will allow us to meet this demand. The first conversion has been a great success and has really demonstrated the capabilities of our in-house Property Service Team.”