A LEADING energy, regeneration and services specialist, ENGIE, has been awarded a £6.5m contract to build 61 energy efficient homes and apartments.

The six three bedroom and ten two bedroom houses and 45 two bedroom apartments will all be heated by air source pumps which absorb heat from the air. The contract at Boho village is for Middlesbrough Development Company and managers Bright Ideas.

The aim is that residents will get lower energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint compared to standard gas boilers. It will be built next to ten existing homes, the Grade 11-listed Captain Cook Pub at Middlehaven and be part of the wider regeneration of the area.

Louise Buckton, New Build Director at ENGIE, said: "We are delighted to be breaking ground on the Boho Village project. Using Air Source Heat Pumps to heat homes and provide hot water will benefit residents in lowering their energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint. ENGIE is committed to making a Zero Carbon future happen."

Tony Dodds, Managing Director of Middlesbrough Development Company, said: "This is another big step forward in developing a vibrant community in Middlehaven with smart, modern accommodation and top-class office space. We’re also very pleased that all the houses and apartments will be heated using Air Source Heat Pumps. We support any initiatives that will help reduce the town’s carbon footprint ."