WORK to develop a brand new £6.4 million housing scheme that will transform the former Church Hill shopping precinct has begun following the demolition of a derelict pub.

A total of 51new homes will be built on the site of the former Book and Candle Pub and the Church Hill District Centre, as part of major redevelopment plans.

Developed by Redditch Co-operative Homes, part of the Accord Group, and Bellway Homes, the contemporary development is being built in close partnership with Redditch Council.

The Homes and Communities Agency is investing £1million into the scheme, which will feature 48 two and three-bedroom homes for affordable rent and three for shared ownership.

The whole development will be completed by spring 2015 and all homes will be super energy efficient.

Carl Taylor, director of Redditch Co-operative Homes, said: “Redditch Co-operative Homes and the Accord Group have a proud track-record of redeveloping brownfield sites in Redditch and we are delighted to be working with Bellway Homes to revitalise Church Hill.

“These modern and contemporary homes will not only complement the new facilities being built in the area but will also provide much needed, affordable homes for local people, all-in-all giving Church Hill a fantastic new lease of life.”

Ian Humphries, land director for Bellway Homes, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this scheme. Bellway has a strong record in delivering successful regeneration projects, including those in North Solihull and Hampton near Evesham.

“This development will bring much-needed affordable homes to Redditch and contribute to the wider regeneration of Church Hill.”

As part of the Matrix Housing Partnership, the Accord Group plans to build 1,500 new homes in the Midlands by 2015, including nearly 180 homes in Redditch, to help tackle the shortage of new and affordable housing across the region.

For more information about Redditch Co-operative Homes, visit rch.coop or for the Accord Group, visit accordgroup.org.uk.