CONSTRUCTION of a supported accommodation development in Consett is well ahead of schedule, according to council leaders.

Twelve flats will be build under the £730,000 scheme for Home Housing.

The development is part of the Genesis Project, in which Dysart Developments and Derwentside District Council are working together to develop the former British Steel site

Council leader Councillor Alex Watson welcomed the progress as he laid the last brick in the walls on the building.

He said: "This will serve as another example of the diversity of different uses which have been brought to the area by the Genesis Project.

"To date the project has attracted a total investment into Consett of over £50m."

Mansell Construction Services are building the accommodation, which is expected to be completed by early December.

Dysart chairman Jack Fawcett said: "Good regeneration is never easy, but when you are undertaking it in a sluggish economy it is even more difficult.

"Despite this, we have achieved an awful lot, and the range of uses and benefits to Consett is tremendous."

The project is being managed by GWK Architects.

When complete the two-storey building will provide self-contained and independent supported accommodation for young people.