Flat-pack homes affordable in Gateshead

A shortage of affordable housing in Gateshead is being addressed by Ikea, which is launching the BoKlok home in the UK.

The timber-framed flat-pack homes will cost around £150,000 once constructed on a development at St James, close to the Gateshead International Stadium.

The properties will be available to those who are not yet home owners and are earning salaries of between £15,000 and £35,000.

The St James development includes flats and townhouses giving a maximum of three bedrooms, with prices starting at £99,500.

Initially, 60 homes will be built by Live Smart @ Home, the company licensed to build BoKlok properties in the UK; further rental units are due to be released next year.

Applications need to be made in writing and will be followed by an interview to establish financial criteria.

Alan Prole, managing director of Live Smart @ Home, has guaranteed that all those qualifying for a BoKlok home will be treated equally.

Details of the development, which is the UK’s first BoKlok scheme, have been exhibited at IKEA’s Gateshead store, and strong interest has been reported.

BoKlok, which roughly translated, means “live smart” was first pioneered in Sweden, as a joint venture between IKEA and Skanska, the construction firm.

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