A TOTAL of £12m has been allocated to to make environmental improvements across the Tees Valley.

The money has been pledged by housing association Thirteen Group and the improvements in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool will be undertaken by Groundwork NE and Cumbria.

Plans include remodelling housing estates, creating communal outdoor spaces, off-street parking and allotments. It is estimated £4.6m will be spent in the first year.

Thirteen Group, comprising social landlords Erimus Housing, Housing Hartlepool, Tees Valley Housing and Tristar Homes, has thousands of properties across Teesside and 32,000 across the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Cath Purdy, deputy chief executive of the Thirteen Group, said: “It’s a long-term investment for us, and it means we can give our residents the same high standard of sustainable surroundings that they already enjoy inside their homes.

“One of key the objectives we need to work up with Groundwork NE is to develop a five year plan of work. This will need to include contractor appointments via a tendering exercise and opportunities for training and employment initiatives.

“This work will transform sites around the region, many of which are neglected and of no use to the community. This partnership will include working with thousands of residents and getting their opinions on how to transform these sites with imagination and innovation.

“This is also an opportunity to shape the future for these estates so we will be working closely with schools and colleges to help us build a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Kate Culverhouse, Groundwork NE & Cumbria Chief Executive, said: “This is a significant contract which has the ability to make a substantial positive impact on people’s lives and the areas surrounding their homes.

“Groundwork has forged a strong track record of partnership working, coming up with innovative solutions and involving residents in programmes to enhance their environment and communities.”

Thirteen Group was formed from a merger of Fabrick and Vela Housing and works in partnership with Erimus Housing, Housing Hartlepool, Tees Valley Housing and Tristar Homes. As part of the move, plans are being developed to create Thirteen Care and Support, a new housing support arm, bringing together the services of the supported housing team of Tees Valley Housing. It is the largest registered housing provider in the North East and in the top 25 nationally. It is also one of the ten largest employers in the North East.