Yorkshire based building contractor, Strategic Team Group, has started work on a £2.7 million first phase redevelopment project in Keighley, West Yorkshire on behalf of Incommunities - the area's biggest social housing landlord.

Strategic Team Group will provide some 27 new homes on the Woodhouse estate in Keighley. The development deal will see the firm take ownership of eight of the new homes, which it will then go on to sell through its associated company, 21C Properties Ltd, as part of a new initiative to help fund the scheme.

Strategic Team Group will construct 18 new three-bedroom and eight, two-bedroom houses plus one, two-bedroom bungalow on the site. The new homes for Incommunities form part of the housing group's exciting plans to regenerate the whole estate, which covers the eventual construction of around 130 properties.

The phase one redevelopment work, supported by the Homes and Communities Agency, is due for completion in August 2010, and will create work experience opportunities for the local community. Furthermore, local schools have been invited to enter a garden design competition, with the two winning school's designs being incorporated into the garden of the show home, plus each receiving a £500 cash prize from Strategic Team Group.

Commenting on the development deal, Charles Tweed, Strategic Team Group's business development director said:

"We are delighted to be working with Incommunities on yet another project to create new homes for the region. The new initiative, which will see us take ownership of some of the homes, marks a change in direction for the business and one we hope to use as a model to support Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) for the future."

Commenting on the project Ken Nicholson, director of Incommunities' development and regeneration said: "We are delighted to see construction underway on the first part of the redevelopment of the estate. This follows local consultations with residents into the plans.

"We are working closely with our partners, Strategic Team Group, to deliver a high quality development which will provide homes for rent for local people and also homes for outright sale.

"Shortly demolition will take place to clear the remaining empty properties on the central part of the estate and pave the way for the construction of more affordable homes."