WORK has started on the site of a £2.17m housing scheme that will provide 22 new homes to rent.

The Majestic scheme, on Gilesgate, in Durham - a site formerly owned by Durham City Council - is being developed by Three Rivers Housing Group.

The development will comprise two three-bedroom semi-detached houses, two two-bedroom bungalows, 16 two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats.

It has been designed to meet the housing needs of a variety of tenants, from single people to families, and emphasis has been placed on providing homes that are economical to run.

The standard rent is expected to be about £56 per week.

The first sod was cut by Three Rivers Housing Group development and regeneration director Lynda Peacock, development manager Sara White, and Councillor Dennis Southwell, Durham City Council's portfolio holder for housing.

Coun Southwell, said: "This development will make a considerable impact on the area and we are looking forward to seeing the first tenants move in next year."

The development, which is near the Three Rivers Housing Group's existing scheme in Sherburn Road and takes its name from the nearby Majestic bingo hall, is to be completed in June next year.

Ms Peacock said: "We are pleased to be able to work in partnership with the council, as this scheme will meet a real need in Durham and contribute to reducing the waiting list for rented accommodation."

Other partners in the scheme are Dunelm Property Services, Christopher Brummitt Architects, quantity surveyors Lumsdon and Wood, structural engineers Portland Consultants, Dunelm Drilling, ground investigation, and Century Homes, timber frame suppliers.