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Work has started on the next stage of new housing on the site of the former American Adventure Theme Park in Derbyshire.

Avant Homes has begun work on 70 new houses on a 7 acre plot near Heanor which will have a total value of £22.7 million.

The land next to Shipley Country Park was turned into a theme park called Britannia Park in the mid-1908s before becoming the American Adventure a couple of years later. As well as rides there was also live action Wild West Shows.

Over the years the park went into decline and was sold on to various companies before closing for good in 2006. Now homes, shops and workplaces are being built on the land.

Avant Homes bought part of the site in the wider Shipley Lakeside scheme in May which, once complete, will see 307 new homes go up as part of a mixed-use neighbourhood.

The new homes are situated a mile south of Heanor town centre and the first three and four-bedroom Avant homes are set to go on sale this summer, with the first people moving in at the end of this year. The approximate build length for the site is estimated to be two years.

Avant Homes Central managing director Chris Coley said: “Shipley Lakeside is a fantastic opportunity to broaden our presence in Derbyshire in order to meet our ambitious growth plans for the business.

“Our 70-design-led homes will make a great addition to the regeneration of this landmark site and will become a flagship development for Avant Homes Central.