A MULTI-MILLION pound affordable housing development has welcomed its first residents.

Railway Housing Association is building 73 homes on Haughton Road in Darlington, opposite Darlington College, in partnership with its contractor Tolent Living.

The project includes the conversion of a listed engine shed built in 1844 which has been transformed into seven new two-storey homes.

The whole scheme consists of two and three-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and one-bedroom apartments.

Whilst a large number of homes are now occupied, the development as a whole is expected to be fully complete by the end of next month.

Arthur Denham, 83, who has moved into a bungalow with his partner Jean, said: “I spent most of my working life working on the railways in and around Darlington so it’s fantastic that I am now living in a home which is directly opposite the old railway line."

Anne Rowlands, chief executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “This is not only one of the biggest schemes in our recent history, but also one of the most exciting.

“We have taken an overgrown area, complete with a derelict graffiti-ridden engine shed, and transformed it into an amazing 73-home development which caters for young and old alike.

“Given its historical significance we worked closely with Darlington Borough Council and the Friends of the 1825 Darlington to Stockton Railway to ensure the development is sympathetic to the heritage of the area, whilst providing much-needed modern, energy efficiency affordable homes for local people.

“Railway Housing Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019 so it is fitting that this development has happened near a site of historic worldwide importance - the world’s first steam powered passenger railway.”

Allan Thompson, Tolent Living regional director, said: “From the outset this was an exciting scheme with a Grade II listed train shed to convert and a very challenging site in terms of ground conditions.

“However the end product is a testament to all the passion and hard work of all those involved.

"This is a flagship development for us and our client Railway Housing Association and we are proud to have helped deliver it."