Workers will be back on site in January at the Gentoo developments on Lagny Street and New Row after a £5.8million investment from the Homes and Communtities Agency's (HCA) Kickstart programme.

The money will be put to immediate use by the developers, in partnership with Northumberland County Council.

The aim is to complete the 93 apartments within 18 months, with the majority offered for rent and affordable rent and 23 for sale.

Stewart Allen, managing director of Gentoo Ventures, said: "This is very exciting news for both Gentoo and the region as a whole. The money must be used straight away, meaning that we can get to work on site to provide much-needed affordable housing and investment in the local area.

"Again we would like to thank the county council and the HCA for their help and support in making this bid and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver the scheme in the coming months."

Pat Ritchie, regional director of HCA in the North East, said: "We are delighted that the two schemes in Alnwick have been awarded funding from the HCA's Kickstart programme.


"The significant investment will allow Gentoo to progress the previously stalled schemes, which will help to bring much-needed housing for local people in areas they want to live and homes they can afford.

"The funding will provide quality affordable housing whilst delivering a sustainable community for the future through job creation and social investment, which will give the whole Alnwick community a boost."

Jeff Reid, leader of the county council, said: "Providing affordable housing to meet local need is a key priority for the council. This will be very much a community development, providing not only housing but also be a boost to attract more retail investment. "

Alongside the accommodation, 27,000sq ft of retail space will also be created.