Demolition work has started at the site of the former Ghyll Grove care home in Basildon, transforming the redundant brownfield site into 34 new homes. A new care home has now been erected on the site and is due to open later this year.

To be delivered by developer Stonebond in partnership with Sempra Homes, Basildon Council's housebuilding arm, demolition work of the former buildings is underway ahead of groundwork commencing.

Ghyllgrove Close marks the second time Stonebond and Sempra have worked together, and once complete the development will include a collection of two, three and four bedroom houses. The homes are being built to high energy efficiency standards, including photovoltaic panels and electric charging points, and the development is set to create more than 100 jobs, giving a welcome boost to the local economy.

Commenting, Robert Wilkinson, Managing Director of Stonebond Chelmsford, said:"It's good to see these new, mixed tenure affordable homes are a step closer now that demolition work is underway. The new development is a great example of how we can work in partnership with Sempra to regenerate this redundant brownfield site and create a beautiful new place to live. The homes have been designed with energy efficiency in mind, which will have a positive impact on household bills, as well as the environment more broadly."

Councillor Andrew Schrader, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal at Basildon Council, said: "This fantastic scheme will create a vibrant community and provide much needed homes for local people. The 34 new homes will breathe new life into a site that was underutilised, no longer fit for purpose, and needed revitalising.

"The spacious development will have different tenure options to provide choice for local residents. It will also be home to many eco-features such as photovoltaic panels and electric charging points, supporting our climate change ambitions. I am excited to see that demolition work has begun and I look forward to keeping residents updated as the development progresses."

Melanie Keys, Sempra Homes said: "I am delighted to see this latest Sempra development coming forward, in partnership with Stonebond and Government's One Public Estate Brownfield Release programme, making good use of a disused site that has been subject to ongoing anti-social behaviour and nuisance. A great demonstration of collaborative and partnership working that will provide 34, much needed, beautiful new homes."