Housing development gives new lease of life to former factory site in Yorkshire

A derelict factory site which stood empty for more than a decade is being given a new life as a development of family homes.

Rippon Homes is transforming the land in Ferrybridge Road, Pontefract, where Simpson’s Malt Factory once stood.

The Priory is a development of 61 homes close to Monkhill Railway Station, ranging from two, three and four-bedroom homes. The first three and four-bedroom properties are currently under construction and the showhome is set to open in the autumn.

Ian Dyke, Managing Director of Rippon Homes, said: “We are delighted to have started work at The Priory. We know there is demand for new homes in Pontefract and the feedback we have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Rippon Homes is committed to bringing brownfield sites back into use wherever possible and The Priory is a prime example of this. Most of our visitors so far have been people who live in and around Pontefract and are pleased to see this land taking on a new purpose.”

Simpson’s Malt Factory closed in 2003 and was demolished in 2008. The land was initially designated as an employment site but when no one came forward to develop the land, Rippon Homes put forward plans for new homes.

Work began earlier this year and the sales office opened its doors in July.

Sales Advisor Norma Houlbrook said: “We have had a busy first few weeks. Local people have been waiting for this development to get underway and we have already taken reservations on some of the larger homes.

“The location is fantastic – people are drawn by the views over St John’s Priory and the proximity to the railway line. Families are also keen to make use of Help to Buy to take their next step up the housing ladder.”

With Help to Buy you can purchase a new home with a five per cent deposit and a 75 per cent mortgage. The remaining 20 per cent is provided by the government as an equity loan, which is interest-free for five years. The scheme is open to first-time buyers as well as people who already own a home.

As part of its commitment to investing in communities, Rippon Homes will fund off-site play equipment to the value of almost £37,000.

For more information, visit ripponhomes.co.uk.