DEMOLITION has finally begun on the Treborth Road area of Blacon.
The long-awaited regeneration project is the result of a partnership between Chester and District Housing Trust, Plus Housing Group, Chester City Council and Lovell Partnerships.
More than 150 flats will be demolished to make way for nearly 200 homes for sale and rent.
The scheme includes the creation of a village green and wildlife habitats, with £4m funding secured from the Housing Corporation.
John Denny, chief executive of Chester and District Housing Trust, said: 'We have been striving to get this scheme under way for some time.
'Now we can look forward to a positive future for the Treborth Road area. This is a milestone development that signals our commitment to Blacon.'
Paul Hulme, regional director for Lovell in the North West, said: 'We are delighted to be involved in this important regeneration scheme and to invest in the Blacon area.
'We believe that, through our partnership, we can totally transform the Treborth Road area.'
Liz Kent, chair of TASC 2000, the Treborth Road residents' association, added: 'All residents are delighted that the development is finally getting under way. It has taken six years of campaigning and hard work to reach this important milestone.'
Cllr Mia Jones, the city council's cabinet member for health and well-being, praised the efforts of everyone involved in the project.
She said: 'Residents, ward councillors and the Blacon Image and Infrastructure Group have worked hard to drive forward the renewal of Treborth Road.
'They have worked closely with Chester City Council and Chester and District Housing Trust to produce a plan which will deliver homes that people will be proud to live in.'
