Ground broken on zero-gas affordable homes development in Sheffield

Esh Construction appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver £18.9m Newstead project

Work is underway on a £18.9 million zero-gas affordable housing development at Newstead in South East Sheffield.

North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering 77 new homes with enhanced sustainability credentials on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

Designed by Peak Architects, the development will feature 36 one and two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens and balconies, alongside 41 two, three and four-bedroom properties with off street parking and gardens. All homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers, as well as enhanced insulation and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

Esh Construction’s Operations Director, Simon Woodward, said: “This project underscores our commitment to delivering more sustainable and future-proofed housing that meets the needs of the community and supports the transition to greener living.

“Marking the first affordable homes Esh will deliver for Sheffield City Council, we are proud to be supporting the council’s goal to develop energy efficient housing stock that will reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term affordability for residents. We look forward to showcasing progress over the coming months.”

Sheffield City Council has been awarded £1.3 million of funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund towards the Newstead development.

Cllr Douglas Johnson, Sheffield City Council’s Chair of the Housing Policy Committee, said: “Sheffield City Council is delighted to be pushing ahead with expanding our council housing offering for current and prospective tenants.

“Our plans remain to build or acquire more than 1,000 council homes in the next five years – and partners such as Esh Construction are instrumental in helping us achieve this.

“Our aim, as always, remains to provide more choice of good quality, environmentally friendly and affordable homes for residents.

“The Council continues to face an unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, and projects such as Newstead being completed will help to meet some of that demand.”

While on site, Esh will deliver a range of employability sessions to local schools and colleges, while investing in a local workforce and apprenticeship opportunities through its Constructing Local strategy

The scheme is expected to complete in Summer 2026.

To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk