THE first bricks have been laid marking the anticipated start of a major redevelopment.

The run-down Lakes estate is to get a facelift, with almost 400 new homes, including bungalows and apartments.

Tees Valley Housing Group has started work on its section of the Courts site in Redcar.

Concrete maisonettes were bulldozed about four years ago, to make way for the project. But the planning and management for the site stalled the start date.

The group will develop 100 of the 370 homes being built on the site, as part of Redcar and Cleveland Council's key regeneration priorities.

Bellway Homes and Persimmon have been contracted by Tees Valley Housing Group to build the homes in Phases 1 and 1a of the scheme, which consist of a total of 44 homes.

Work has started on the first 14 two-bedroom bungalows, being built by Bellway specifically for people aged over 55. This will be followed by 14 more houses, ranging from two to four-bed properties.

The overall scheme will feature 370 homes, as well as a pub, medical facilities, a youth and community centre and shopping.

Cabinet member for housing and neighbourhood renewal, Councillor Chris Abbott, said: "I'm especially pleased that this spectacular project is making way for two areas of open space.

"This is important to the council and the people of Redcar."