Esh Construction completes new homes on site of former iconic ‘Tall Trees’ destination

The site has been redeveloped in a £13.2 million development with Broadacres.

Work to deliver 114 new homes on the footprint of the former Tall Trees Hotel in Yarm is now complete.

In a development worth £13.2 million, Esh Construction has redeveloped the site of the former hotel and nightclub complex on Teesside, known as Tall Trees, into a range of homes for Broadacres.

The site is now a mixed tenure development of two, three and four-bedroom homes, with the majority of the homes being affordable, either via social rent or shared ownership, which gives people a chance to get their first foot on the property ladder.

Mark Binns, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “Redeveloping the nostalgic Tall Trees site has proved a real success. A place that so many will hold fondly within their memories is now a welcoming neighbourhood with high quality homes where people can build new memories long into the future. It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Broadacres and we look forward to working together again in the future.”

Tall Trees was one of the landmark venues of the 1980s and 1990, with guests including former Prime Minister John Major. Many of the world’s top stars of the day also performed in its adjoining nightclub, known as Macmillans, or Club M. They include pop acts such as Chesney Hawkes and Girls Aloud to world-renowned DJ’s such as Pete Tong and Dave Pearce.

Among those who remember Tall Trees is Lyndsey Allen, who is now living in one of the two-bedroom rented properties with her five-year-old daughter Millie. She said: “I am from Middlesbrough originally and used to go to Tall Trees in the 90s, so when I heard about the homes I applied and was so happy when I discovered I had been allocated one. It’s a lovely home and the perfect size for myself and Millie, plus it’s very affordable, so we couldn’t be happier.”

Helen Fielding, Broadacres’ Director of Development and Investment, said: “Our Tall Trees development has provided a range of high-quality homes which meet the needs of a wide cross section of the local community, from people wanting affordable rented homes, through to those seeking low-cost home ownership options.

“And it’s lovely to hear of people like Lyndsey who have been able to make their home at a location which holds such happy memories.

“This is one of our largest schemes in recent years and we couldn’t have completed a development of this nature without the support of key partners like Esh Construction, Homes England and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.”

Tom Hawley, Head of Affordable Housing Growth from Homes England, said: “This scheme shows how effective the Affordable Homes Programme can be to invest in ambitious housing association partners like Broadacres to help them create new homes on brownfield sites in communities like Yarm that have high need for new homes like these.”

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing said: “It’s brilliant to see the Tall Trees development complete and residents now enjoying their new homes. Good quality properties like the ones at Tall Trees mean that we can meet the demand for affordable housing in the Borough in convenient, safe locations close to schools, transport links and local amenities.

“We know the former hotel and club were close to local people’s hearts and I’m pleased to see the site repurposed into these homes, where I hope they will make many more happy memories.”

The development was supported with grant funding of £3,373,500 from Homes England.

Redeveloping the nostalgic Tall Trees site has proved a real success. A place that so many will hold fondly within their memories is now a welcoming neighbourhood with high quality homes where people can build new memories long into the future. It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Broadacres and we look forward to working together again in the future.”

Mark Binns, Operations Director at Esh Construction