EQUANS, the new brand for global energy company ENGIE’s regeneration and services led activities, is pleased to have completed the £3.9m Newby Drive new build project in Middleton, Rochdale which has seen the construction of 28 traditionally-built affordable homes, consisting of two-story houses and bungalows.

The homes have been built on behalf of The Riverside Group, a long-standing partner of EQUANS, which is also a key partner on the recently awarded £35m Verdin housing scheme in Winsford, Cheshire.

The Newby Drive development includes biodiversity enhancements across the site, with adaptations put in-place for local wildlife. This includes a number of ‘hedgehog domes’ and concrete gravel boards with holes, allowing hedgehogs in the area to live uninterrupted with a series of ‘hedgehog highways’.

As part of EQUANS’ commitments to the local community, a week of virtual work experience was delivered to students at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Under normal circumstances work experience placements would take place in-person, however these were cancelled due to COVID-19 and delivered online instead. Three job vacancies were also created on the Newby Drive scheme for a Site Manager, an Assistant Site Manager and a Quantity Surveyor.

Steve Gregory, Construction Director at EQUANS UK & Ireland, said: “We’re really pleased to have completed work ahead of programme on the 28 units at Newby Drive, a scheme that will provide much-needed affordable accommodation in the area.

“The team have worked collaboratively with the client, The Riverside Group, and all other partners to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic to successfully deliver the scheme.”

Nick Jones, Riverside’s Director of Development, added: “We are delighted to be able to bring 28 new affordable homes to Langley which EQUANS has delivered ahead of schedule. It will provide a mixture of affordable homes, and alongside our new extra care scheme that will be competed soon, both developments will help meet current and future housing needs including an ageing demographic in the area.”