Aspire Housing has been selected to lead an exciting £4.6 million regeneration programme that will transform part of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The organisation, which is developing more new homes in North Staffordshire than any other housing association, beat off competition from other social landlords to secure £300,000 funding from the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

Residents have welcomed the bumper cash injection which will provide a much-needed overhaul of Beasley Place in Chesterton, creating 43 new homes and a series of environmental improvements.

The development will meet the needs of the local community following a series of public consultations and a housing needs survey, undertaken in partnership with the borough council.

Will Nixon, Director of Regeneration for Aspire Housing, said: "Aspire is delighted to be leading the redevelopment of Beasley Place.

"It is an area in need of regeneration and as an organisation committed to creating prosperous communities we look forward to working in partnership with Newcastle Borough Council to revitalise this estate."

He added: "The provision of new homes will help local families remain in the area, enabling them to get a foot onto the property ladder.

"An investment of this nature not only brings an area of disused land into use, but will also breathe new life into Chesterton."

Lilian Barker, Chair of the Chesterton Community Forum, said: "This is really good news for local people and the local area. This development will give it a much-needed lift.

"Speaking as a resident who lives in the area I am personally thrilled, this will revitalise the community."

The development will be funded by Aspire Housing (£4,300,000) and Newcastle Borough Council (£300,000).

It will provide 43 new homes with a wide variety of properties including flats, bungalows, and two, three and four-bedroom houses. Twenty properties will be available for shared ownership and 23 for rent.

The high quality architectural design of the scheme will ensure that Beasley Place becomes an attractive and desirable place to live. 

Cllr. Robin Studd, cabinet member for regeneration and planning at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: "The £300,000 has come from the borough council's allocation for affordable housing within its housing capital programme.

"The council is strongly committed to meeting local need for this type of housing and building sustainable communities.

"It's important that local families who can't afford to buy their own home or rent a property on the open market have access to good quality accommodation.

"Aspire Housing's Beasley Place scheme offers a great mix of affordable options and housing types which means greater choice for residents."

Work is due to start in February and be completed by autumn 2011.