Sheffield City Council has announced 147 new homes are to be built on two sites in Newstead following an ‘unprecedented demand’ for affordable and social housing.

Council Leader Tom Hunt said: “Sheffield is a growing city, a city on the up, and we know we need to build new homes of all types to meet the needs of a growing population.”

The council says they have set aside £255m for the acquisitions and new builds across the city, in addition to the £28m which has already been allocated.

Significant Government funding through its partnership with Homes England and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is looking to be acquired by the council to help support the project.

Coun Tom Hunt said: “We want everyone to have access to a secure and stable home in a great neighbourhood

“Good quality homes are essential to enable people to thrive.”

The 147 new homes in Newstead are part of the council’s city-wide plan to build and acquire more than 1000 properties across the city.

The projects announcement comes at a crucial time and adds to the 137 new homes that were delivered in 2023/24.

Sheffield City Council plan to build a further 275 homes and acquire 417 properties by 2029, and say they are working with providers to increase supply of new affordable homes for rent.

James Curtis, 34, works at Kaz’s Birley Moor News and said: “It can only be a positive to us here.”

Mr Curtis said he grew up delivering the local paper before working at the shop, and is optimistic the effect the new builds will have on the business whilst referencing the inevitability of new builds in the area.

Work on the south of the site is expected to begin in the next six months.

In addition to the two sites at Newstead, 36 new apartments are to be built in the North West of the City at Bole Hill View.

Coun Tom Hunt said: “We’re committed to increasing the supply of new affordable homes in our city.

“We are working with our public and private sector partners, to drive up housing growth across the city so that Sheffield is a great place to live for everyone.”