A HOUSING regeneration partnership, established to revive communities and economies in the Durham coalfields, is building its 2,000th home.

The property, is under construction at The Fell, Chester-le-Street, where the Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC) is constructing 78 two, three and four bedroomed homes.

When completed, next year, the development will be the 32nd delivered by DVRC, a partnership between Durham County Council and Keepmoat Homes.

With an average price of around £105,000, DVRC has, since it was established in 2001, consistently delivered homes within the reach of local, young people.

Over 80 per cent of properties sold have been bought by those living within ten miles of the development and around 60 per cent were first time buyers.

Ian Prescott, land and partnerships director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “It’s rewarding to have reached this significant milestone, however as well as delivering 2,000 homes, as a partnership we have been committed to supporting the communities in which we work.

“This has been achieved through providing training opportunities, apprenticeships and jobs, which has helped retain young families in the Durham villages, boosting micro economies across the county.”

Councillor Carl Marshall, chairman of DVRC, added: “It’s exciting to have reached this landmark figure in our quest to transform council-owned land with much needed new homes.”