Construction of new homes in Wiltshire begins

Construction has started at a housing development in Hambleton Avenue, Devizes, which will see 38 new homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Developer and landlord Aster Group is building the scheme in partnership with Galliford Try Partnerships, one of the UK’s fastest growing regeneration businesses, and has earmarked 31 of the new homes for shared ownership with a range of one, two, and three-bedroom homes available. The remaining seven will be for affordable rent.

Wiltshire County Council approved Aster’s plans for the 87,000 sq ft scheme - which makes use of a brownfield site originally part of Le Marchant Barracks – in February.

The development incorporates a design based on community feedback to initial proposals. Included in the plans is a footpath to link the development with neighbouring homes, Lidl and B&Q, while preserving the large lime trees that formed part of the original barracks.

Amanda Williams, group development director at Aster Group, said: “As a responsible developer it’s crucial for us to ensure that our schemes match the needs and desires of the local communities.

“Devizes is a popular area for buyers, but has a lack of high-quality affordable housing. We need to take advantage of underused land where we can. 

“To support more developments like Hambleton Avenue and increase the supply of housing in the UK, we’ve earmarked £1.5bn to invest in building more homes for a range of tenures across the South and South West of England.”

The site is the first in a new partnering arrangement between Aster Group, Galliford Try Partnerships and E G Carter Ltd.

Jon Young, Regional Director at Galliford Try Partnerships West, said: “Our innovative new partnering framework with Aster is an important part of our strategy. It allows us to work together to find, secure and build mixed tenure opportunities. Hambleton Avenue is the first site through this partnership and is a fantastic example of working together to bring forward much-needed homes.

“As a specialist regeneration business we nurture long-term sustained partnerships, delivering on our clients’ needs and using our skills and ability to help the Government achieve the target of 300,000 new homes a year.”

The scheme is expected to complete by the end of 2018.