A "THRIVING" community has risen from the ashes of a dilapidated Dudley council estate following the completion of a multi-million pound project to create 314 new homes.

Bulldozers began to raze 270 homes in North Priory to the ground in 2009 as part of ambitious plans to create a new estate featuring a mix of apartments, two, three and four-bedroom houses, bungalows and four fully adapted wheelchair accessible properties.

But in 2010, the project was thrown into doubt after the Government announced it had to curtail £230 million from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) - with the cash earmarked for the Dudley development on the hit list.

After a turbulent few months, the funding was secured, the project gathered pace and the final home was completed in April this year.

After putting the finishing touches to the landscaping of the estate, now known as Friars Gate, a commemorative tree planting took place on Thursday (July 30) where council representatives celebrated with tenants, homeowners and project partners Keepmoat Homes, the HCA and social enterprise Bromford.

Darrin Gamble, head of neighbourhoods for Bromford said: “This event has marked the culmination of many years of regeneration activity in North Priory. Teaming up with like-minded organisations has resulted in massive investment in new homes and the creation of a new and thriving community of over 300 families.

"The whole estate has been transformed and this officially marks the change from North Priory to Friars Gate and the celebration of building not only much needed good quality housing in the area but, more importantly, the building of a new community."

Cllr Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing said: “Our vision for the new North Priory was for a flagship, landmark development that was ground breaking, sustainable, innovative and cutting edge in its design, appearance and construction.

"It was our vision to transform the area into a sustainable community with a range of house types, tenures and households contributing to the regeneration of the area. I think that has been achieved and everyone involved should be congratulated.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who led the campaign to secure the Government funding for the scheme and fought to protect the project from cutbacks, added: “I’m delighted that the estate is now complete.

“Housebuilding is at a record low under this government, so I will be pushing to secure more investment in local housing in Parliament.”