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A major regeneration project to transform disused docks and former brownfield land into a thriving riverside quarter has moved into a new phase.

Further works have got underway at Holborn, South Shields, to construct the first of another 144 homes on the multi-million-pound scheme.

Housebuilder Cussins will deliver the four-bedroomed riverfront houses and apartments in their first phase of development, following the completion of extensive remediation and civil engineering works on the site to prepare it for development and create a new public promenade.

The civil works included decontamination of the ground, raising of the former dry docks to overcome serious flooding issues, and construction of a new quay edge wall.

Cussins' second phase of development will provide a range of three and four-bedroomed houses and one and two-bedroomed apartments.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport, said: "It's been fascinating and exciting watching the gradual transformation of this former industrial site.

"Following years of planning, we can now see it becoming populated with fabulous family homes and turning into a vibrant community.

"Cussins are now starting work to deliver 144 more properties that will have incredible views over the Tyne and I am sure people will be proud to call home

"We're focused on increasing the residential population in and around the town centre - this means more footfall, more people using local businesses and services, supporting the local economy and helping to build a sustainable future."

In tandem with the homes Cussins will deliver, Keepmoat Homes is constructing 60 properties in this phase of the project, 14 of which will be affordable.

Jabin Cussins, CEO of Cussins, said "Holborn Riverside has been a key focus for our team for a number of years.

"We've very much enjoyed working with our partners Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Keepmoat who both share our high aspirations for this unique site. It's a very exciting time to finally move from the planning stage to construction.

"Our scheme has no standardised house types and all of our new homes will be unique to the development. Architecturally, our homes will reflect Holborn's maritime heritage albeit with a contemporary twist.

"High quality traditional materials will be used on each new property with large windows designed to flood the rooms with light whilst taking advantage of the extraordinary riverside views.

"We are all looking forward to creating this exemplar scheme that will both stand the test of time and offer a fantastic quality of life for residents."

Building strong communities, where residents live in clean, green and safe spaces, is one of council's ambitions to help achieve its 20-year vision.

Phase one, consisting of 48 family houses, including a new play area, is due to complete imminently. More than half the homes, delivered by Keepmoat, are already occupied.

As part of the scheme, three of the dry docks are being restored to preserve the area's industrial heritage and a new riverside promenade will also be built to open this stretch to the public for the first time in over 100 years.

The council will be implementing marine ecology improvements in two of the docks including floating reed beds, mussel ropes and fish refuge structures. Plans for the third docks include displaying boats restored by the North East Maritime Trust.

The scheme secured £1.85m from the government's Brownfield Land Release Fund to help deliver 250 of the new dwellings. It also benefits from £9.4 million Local Enterprise Partnership funding to support delivery of new office space in the Enterprise Zone.