The contractor will start work immediately on the first 12 sites in Kirklees where Wates will build 466 new affordable homes for rent across the region.

Wates is part of the Regenter Excellent Homes for Life consortium alongside Regenter and Pinnacle PSG.

The win follows last month’s 25-year contract to deliver improved public housing services for Oldham Council as part of the Inspiral Oldham consortium.

Ian Burnett, Managing Director of Wates Living Space, said: “These two important PFI projects demonstrate a step change in the way affordable housing can be delivered and we are proud to be part of that.

“Each has the potential to make an immensely positive impact upon neighbourhoods and communities and we hope to use our involvement to create tangible benefits for local people.”

Cllr Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “I’m delighted that we will soon be able to offer 466 families and individuals the opportunity to move into the quality homes which suit their needs, and which they deserve.

“This programme also gives us the chance to regenerate communities, in some cases removing old buildings which were no longer fit for purpose and replacing them with modern, quality homes.”

Kirklees Council’s  Excellent Homes for Life project includes the new build of 140 homes for older people within three extra care housing schemes offering care and support, 291 one and two bedroom homes for small households and 35 homes specifically designed for wheelchair users.

The new homes will be built on 27 sites across Kirklees.