Work starts on Cornish Park housing development in Spennymoor

Construction work to build a mix of two, three, and four-bedroomed homes has begun at the new Cornish Park site in Spennymoor.

The site has been named in honour of Norman Cornish, one of the most celebrated mining artists of the last century. Mr Cornish lived in Spennymoor his entire life, working as a miner for 33 years. He is also known for creating popular works that depicted the people and places of his hometown, along with colliery life.  

Read more: Norman Cornish - The story of County Durham's greatest artist

A total of 124 homes will be built, 71 of which will be available on the open market, with the remaining 53 offering affordable housing.  

The new homes will be built on the former site of J Mitchinson on the Merrington Lane Industrial Estate, near the A688.

Cornish Park is the first phase of a wider regeneration project happening in Kirk Merrington, as part of Durham Count Council’s ‘Towns and Villages’ strategy. The Spennymoor Area Action Partnership outlines a £21 million investment into the area, which will include finding opportunities to address community housing needs, among other challenges.  

The new homes will be built on the former site of J Mitchinson on the Merrington Lane Industrial Estate, near the A688. (Image: The Northern Echo)

The scheme is to be delivered by Lovell Homes and aims to be completed by February 2025, forming part of the Homes England strategy to provide more affordable housing across the country. 

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Paul Devaney, area director of Lovell Partnerships in the North East, said: “The Spennymoor site is just one of a number of exciting projects that we have in the pipeline in this region. We’re pleased that work has begun on schedule, and we look forward to watching the development progress. 

“Lovell’s key focus is on creating new and exciting communities for people across the region, as well as progressing work to achieve our ambitious growth targets, and further establishing our five-star builder status. 

“Delivering affordable housing under the Homes England banner is also a major factor, as Lovell strives to help meet the rising demand for high-quality homes that suit a range of buyers.”