Work is now underway on an £18.9 million affordable housing project in South East Sheffield’s Newstead neighbourhood, marking a major step toward greener living for the city. The ambitious development, delivered by North of England contractor Esh Construction, will bring 77 energy-efficient homes to the area as part of Sheffield City Council’s housing expansion plans.
Designed by Peak Architects, the Newstead project combines sustainability with community living. The development will include 36 one- and two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens and balconies, as well as 41 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, each with off-street parking and private gardens. Every home will feature state-of-the-art air source heat pumps, replacing traditional gas boilers, alongside enhanced insulation and electric vehicle charging points to help residents embrace a greener lifestyle.
“This project underscores our commitment to delivering more sustainable and future-proofed housing,” said Simon Woodward, Esh Construction’s Operations Director. “It’s an honour to support Sheffield City Council in creating energy-efficient homes that reduce environmental impact while ensuring affordability for residents.”
This development is part of Sheffield City Council’s broader plan to expand its council housing stock by 1,000 homes over the next five years, with funding support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, which awarded £1.3 million to the project.
“Sheffield City Council is delighted to be pushing ahead with expanding our council housing offering,” said Councillor Douglas Johnson, Chair of the Housing Policy Committee. “With unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, projects like Newstead are crucial to providing good quality, environmentally friendly homes for residents.”
The benefits of the Newstead project go beyond housing. While construction is underway, Esh Construction will run employability sessions for local schools and colleges and create apprenticeship opportunities through its Constructing Local strategy, ensuring the project has a positive impact on the local community.
Simon Woodward added, “We are proud to invest in the local workforce and help inspire the next generation through our engagement with schools and colleges.”
The Newstead development is scheduled for completion in Summer 2026. Once finished, it will stand as a landmark in Sheffield’s journey toward sustainability, providing affordable, eco-friendly homes to meet the needs of current and future residents.
For more information about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk.
