First turf cut for £77m Wiltshire housing scheme

Construction has started on a £77m housing scheme that will deliver 350 new affordable rented homes in west Wiltshire.

Persimmon Homes, its sister company Westbury Partnerships, Wiltshire Council, Aster Communities and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) all joined forces in Westbury for the official ceremony to mark the launch of construction.

The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract got the green light from the Government at the end of last year. The project will deliver a mixture of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, flats and bungalows. The innovative scheme sees land provided by Wiltshire Council and Persimmon Homes. Westbury Partnerships, working with Aster Communities, will build the new homes.

Initial phases will be built in Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Melksham and Hilperton, with the first properties ready to move into during summer 2012. Plans to build a further 100 homes are also progressing.

The housing  PFI allows local authorities to work with private sector partners to build, improve and manage housing. It is administered in England by the HCA.

Nigel Greenaway, south division chief executive, Persimmon Homes and Westbury Partnerships, said:

“This joint venture will deliver more homes into the communities where they are most needed. The contract is an excellent example of cooperative working between the public and private sector and we look forward to welcoming the first new residents in the summer.”

Steve Blake, group development director for Aster Group, Aster Communities’ parent company, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the construction of this landmark new development getting under way and we’re looking forward to seeing it take shape over the coming months. When completed, all of the homes being delivered as part of the PFI project will make a real difference to the lives of people living in Wiltshire and help address the urgent need for high-quality new affordable housing across the county.”

John Thomson, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said:

“I am really pleased the government has approved our business case to ensure these 350 much-needed affordable homes can be built, despite the difficult financial times. It is especially important during the economic downturn that we are able to provide enough good quality accommodation for Wiltshire's residents, and also bring much-needed jobs and commercial activities to the area.”

HCA executive director for the South and South West Colin Molton added:

“This is good news for people in Wiltshire who are looking to access high-quality, affordable homes. Partners have worked hard to get this initiative into place and people will now begin to see the benefits of the investment now that the homes are being delivered. I am really pleased that progress will be made on this project.”

» Read more about the Housing  PFI