- Year six pupils were on site as demolition of post-war bungalows started
- Pupils learned about site safety and the wider £20m project to regenerate community
- Stonebroom’s post-war bungalows are being replaced with 69 modern homes
Demolition work has begun on 50 post war bungalows in Stonebroom, marking the first visible stage of a £20 million regeneration programme – with local primary school pupils invited on site to learn how the project will transform their community.
Year six children visited the site to observe the next stage in the regeneration programme, which will deliver another 69 high-quality, energy-efficient new homes for the community, in addition to the five bungalows already built on the former garage site.
The demolition of the 50 existing bungalows, which had exceeded their original life expectancy, marks the start of a wider £20 million investment in Stonebroom. It will see the delivery of a total of 74 new homes along with the already completed new community building.
During the visit, the pupils watched in fascination as a cherry picker carefully removed a chimney stack and roof – bringing the demolition process to life.
Pupils also received a site safety talk, an overview of the project’s history and learned how regeneration schemes are planned and delivered.
Dan Crossley, Director of Property Services at Rykneld Homes, said: “Providing safe and decent homes for customers is our priority. Being able to involve local children at the start of the project, made the occasion even more special.
“The site safety information the children received will help keep them safe while work continues, and we look forward to building on the positive relationship we have with the school as the project progresses.”
Helen Brown, Head of Regeneration at Rykneld Homes, said: “This was a great opportunity for local children to be part of the regeneration in the area they live in. The visit also allowed our team to educate them on site safety during the works whilst providing an insight into the construction industry, for possible future career choices."
The properties being demolished will be replaced by 69 two-bedroom bungalows which will include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and dedicated parking spaces.
The development builds on recent progress in the Stonebroom regeneration, including the delivery of five new bungalows on the former garage site, where residents have now moved in.
The programme also includes a new community building, which was officially opened by Natalie Fleet MP at the end of last year. The facility is home to Stonebroom Pre-School and replaces the previous community hall that was no longer fit for purpose.
Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Nigel Barker, added: “This project represents a significant investment in North East Derbyshire and demonstrates our commitment to regenerating communities in a way that benefits both current and future residents.
“Involving local young people at such an early stage helps them to understand how their community is changing and ensures they feel part of that journey.”
The project is expected to be completed by September 2028.
