SANCTUARY has been chosen to be the developer to build new homes on the site of an eyesore former swimming pool.

We previously reported Worcester City Council had said it had found a developer to build the homes on the site in Sansome Walk, and this has now been confirmed as Sanctuary Group.

The city council, which currently owns the land, announced the decision to sell the site following a fresh open competitive procurement process.

Under the new plans, the city-based housing provider is looking to build 40 affordable housing units on the site, subject to planning permission being given.

Sanctuary intends to submit a planning application by early summer, with demolition of the existing building due for completion in the autumn.

The authority originally agreed to sell the site to Sanctuary Housing and YMCA in March 2018, but those plans - to convert the site into 22 two-bedroom shared-ownership home and 76 accommodation units - fell through.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcester City Council leader, said: “There is a clear need for more affordable properties for local people to rent in Worcester. We are delighted that Sanctuary, with its strong track record for delivering high quality social housing developments, will create a new and positive future for the site.

“We will work closely with local residents throughout the demolition and construction phases, ensuring that they are kept well informed throughout the process."

READ MORE: Developer finally found to build homes on Worcester eyesore after years of delays

David Soothill, Sanctuary’s director of Development for England, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as the development partner for this important site in the heart of Worcester. As a major investor and employer in the city, we have always maintained a keen interest in the site and believe this new proposed development will be a great addition of much needed high-quality affordable housing for the community.”

Last year the city council appointed DSM Demolition Limited to demolish the former swimming pool and remediate the site for development. The city council will meet the cost of the work, which is expected to be in the region of £2.636 million in total. The cost will be supported by a grant from central government’s Land Release Fund.