WORK to redevelop an estate in the heart of Kendal town centre is about to begin.

The Waterside redevelopment will see six two bedroom houses, four two bedroom flats and four three bedroom houses being built on the site of the existing garage blocks on Dowkers Lane.

The plans have been drawn up by South Lakes Housing (SLH) following extensive consultation since 2013 with tenants, leaseholders and owners around the area with the aim to “Build pride in Waterside”.

The garages have been the target of anti-social behaviour over the years and along with planned environmental improvements including; new bin stores, storage sheds, redevelopment of the garages, parking for residents and landscaping to the whole estate it will make it a better place to live for the residents.

The project has been awarded to Blackpool-based RP Tyson Ltd and work is expected to take 14 months to complete. The new housing has received significant financial support from South Lakeland District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Cllr Jonathan Brook, South Lakeland District Council’s portfolio holder for Housing and Innovation, said: “This development will provide high quality homes for local people, reduce the housing waiting list and help rejuvenate Waterside.

"These 14 much-needed new affordable homes in the centre of Kendal are another great example of partnership working. This exciting project demonstrates once again, this council's focus on the delivery of affordable housing.’’

John Holmes, Chairman of the SLH Board said “We have been working on this redevelopment scheme for some time consulting with local people and working with SLDC to recycle money collected from the sale of former council homes.

"The new homes form part of our multi million pound new five year development programme which will result in more than 100 new homes for local people”.