A NEW affordable housing development has been officially opened by the Mayor of Hartlepool.

The Vela Group has built the £1.9m development on Pillowell Close which will provide 17 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom properties for people to rent, shared ownership and for sale.

A £367,000 Homes and Communities Agency grant supported the project, with the Vela Group, which incorporates Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes, investing more than £1.5m.

Chairman of Housing Hartlepool, Peter Olsen welcomed guests to the official opening ceremony of the development which was performed by Stephen Akers-Belcher.

Marie Harland and Steven Harrington, who were one of the first couples to move into this new development, said: “We are delighted with our new home. It’s well-built and beautifully finished, and is a real family home.”

Colin Wilson, group director of development at Vela, said: “Addressing affordable housing shortages within Hartlepool is part of our vision and on-going commitment to the town and the affordable rented properties have proved very popular.

"We are particularly keen to mix rent and ownership opportunities in Hartlepool, boost the supply of high-quality housing and provide investment in the construction industry locally.”

There will be an open day on Thursday, February 6 for anybody interested in discussing affordable homes ownership or you can visit www.velagroup.co.uk for further details.