Building work started in Peartree last month as part of a two year scheme to create 89 new homes in the Derby PRIDE area. The development, which is the result of a partnership between Derby PRIDE and Derby City Council is part of a strategy to create almost 200 new homes during the five year City Challenge programme.

David Richardson, Policy and Development Manager with Derby City Council explains, "Following land clearances we are building 13 new houses from scratch in Richmond Road and Becher Street. We also renovating properties that are in poor repair and purchasing a number of existing houses. When the work is finished the 89 properties will house families that are registered on the City Council’s waiting lists".

The houses are being built by Hallmark and Wallbrook Housing Associations. Merril Hatcher, from Hallmark Housing Association explains, "We have been working in the area for over seven years now so we have a good knowledge of the housing needs of local people. Hallmark Housing Association was set up to cater for Black and Ethnic minority families in the area and we work closely with the local council to develop appropriate housing provision. For example, we are currently building a number of houses with four bedrooms which will suit the needs of large Asian families". Derby PRIDE has allocated over £2m to develop new housing during the City Challenge programme.