Work has commenced on a multi-million-pound residential scheme which will bring 18 detached and semi-detached, four-bedroom homes to the market in Linthwaite, Huddersfield.

Local house builder, SB Homes, is developing Hollin Gate, a site just off Gillroyd Lane, with completion expected by late-2022. The site is set to create more than 100,000 skilled labour hours for local tradespeople over two years.

The news follows a string of recent investments by SB Homes within the Colne Valley, including what was formerly The Swan pub in Marsden, which has now been renovated into six now fully let commercial units. Having previously sat boarded up for over 12 months, it is now home to creative businesses, including hairdressing salon, Keegan & Co; chocolate maker, Bagstock & Bumble and leather goods maker, Hord, alongside a pet shop, design and art studio and joiner’s workshop. Two AirBnB holiday lets will also be available when COVID-restrictions are relaxed in April.

Family-run SB Homes, which was established in 1997, is also nearing its spring completion on the build of Station House in Marsden – the site of a former, disused fire station. The derelict building has now been transformed into 21 affordable apartments which offer lifetime, rental opportunities – with a particular emphasis on accessibility. A further nine units are due to be built on land adjacent to Station House, which will be ready to rent in 2022.

SB Homes’ managing director, Stephen Byram, commented: “Despite challenges posed by COVID, it has been a consolidated period of investment for us. We’ve come to the end of our ‘landmark, award-winning site at Empire Works in Slaithwaite – which saw us build 70+ homes – and we have now commenced groundwork preparations at our newest site at Hollin Gate, Linthwaite. We’ve also secured land at Lingards Road in Slaithwaite, which we hope to make a start on next year. We have a reputation for getting ‘boots on the ground’ quickly after planning permission has been granted, and we don’t intend to slow down anytime soon.”

SB Homes has a pipeline of four years’ work throughout the Colne Valley, including the construction of a campsite adjacent to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

“As local people, the Colne Valley is personal to us. We only take on projects which have a positive impact on the local area – whether it’s enhancing the surrounding beauty, rebuilding characterful, historic features, creating employment opportunities or helping to attract visitors.

“Being able to make headway on developments – both residential and commercial – also secures the livelihoods of more than 40 people we employ both directly and indirectly.”

SB Homes is the firm behind Empire House, the luxury business workspace in Slaithwaite, which is due to launch mid-2021.