New builds 'will help push estate forward'
WORK is under way to demolish three tower blocks in Orchard Park as part of a project of work to transform the area.
Final stripping out and preparatory work began yesterday on the Milldane and Ashthorpe blocks and a smaller block.
The flats have been earmarked for demolition in order to make way for new housing.
Councillor Terry Geraghty said the demolitions mark the start of an exciting period of developments for Orchard Park.
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"The developments that are in store for the estate will help push Orchard Park forward," he said.
"I am delighted to see that work is starting and the wheels are in motion.
"The sooner we get the blocks of flats down, the sooner work can begin on the new builds and that is key to the regeneration of the area."
The two 22-storey buildings, along with a smaller 12-storey block, will be replaced with new housing available to rent and buy.
Cllr Geraghty said there is becoming an increasing need for new accommodation, not just in Orchard Park, but across Hull.
He said: "We need to be looking at ways in which we can increase the amount of accommodation available in the city.
"A lot of people will soon be wanting smaller accommodation and we need to be ready for that demand."
Cllr Geraghty said the introduction of bedroom tax, which will cut the amount of benefit people can receive if they are considered to have a spare bedroom, will also have an affect on the number of people looking to downsize.
The portfolio holder for leisure and culture said: "The new- builds that will take the place of the flats will hopefully put Orchard Park a little bit ahead of the game and help attract more investment to the area.
"By offering homes to buy and rent we will be able to offer first- time buyers, renters and families a lot of options.
"The whole programme of development has not only been put together to increase the quality of life for current residents but also to attract new people to the estate."
All of the flats are now vacant after their remaining council tenants were rehoused last year.
NPS Humber Ltd is seeking permission to demolish the high-rise flats using controlled explosions.
A spokeswoman for Hull City Council said: "The council will shortly be tendering for a contractor and expect demolition to take place in the summer."
Other changes that are expected to begin this year include the development of a new 50-bed care centre, as well as new shopping complex.
Comments
by qualitychap
Tuesday, January 15 2013, 8:11PM
“i cant understand paying lots of money to demolish,perfectly sound tower blocks,could of given them away,to private developers to refurbish them,or even the university maybe interested in one of the blocks for students.
apparently the city is short of council accommodation,why on earth pay a lot of money to demolish these blocks ?after all there only 55 years old,when parts of rundown Beverley,anlaby and hessle rd properties are well over a 100 years old.”