A MULTI-MILLION pound project to transform a Darlington housing estate has helped to create a “sustainable, resilient and confident community”, it has been claimed.

The Red Hall housing estate has received a £5.5m regeneration over recent years, which resulted in the build of 40 new council houses and flats.

The improvements at Red Hall were discussed at Darlington Borough Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee yesterday, where it was revealed the council is considering plans to build 30 further properties at the site.

Modern housing for older people was also being explored as a possibility for Red Hall.

Ken Davies, housing strategy officer at the council, said it was important to make Red Hall into “a place people wanted to live and choose to live in”

“A huge change is taking place in Red Hall - we are building a sustainable community that everyone will benefit from.

“The regeneration problem has had a considerable overall impact on the area, and there have been savings in energy costs and a noticeable improvement in demand.

“The new properties have proved very popular and attracted new people to Red Hall as well as meeting local needs” he added.

Mr Davies said he now wants to see people living in the area “to take a lead in major activities”.

“The Red Hall spectacular was attended by over 200 people, and there is a newsletter going round, so the community is really starting to take shape.

“The next step is the more challenging move from resident’s participation in consultation and participating in activities to them leading consultation and organising activities.”

Tim Crawshaw, built and natural environment manager at the council, confirmed plans remain in the pipeline for the construction of 1,200 new homes at Burdon Hill, as well as up to 1,100 at Lingfield Point.

The homes are part of the council’s plans for Darlington’s Eastern Growth Zone, which they hope will help to bring further jobs to the area.