Work starts on new 640 home development in Salisbury

Work has commenced on the first phase of a development that will provide 640 new homes for the local community, on the south western edge of Salisbury, including 148 affordable homes for housing association Aster Group.

Situated three miles from the city centre, with views towards Salisbury Cathedral, the site is located off Netherhampton Road in Harnham is being delivered by Vistry Group including Countryside Partnerships.

Named Wilton Gate, the development will comprise a range of homes for sale, as well as those for affordable rent and shared ownership, benefitting the community and ensuring local housing needs are met.

As well as two-to-five-bedroom homes, the development will also provide a primary school, local centre, employment, public open space – including a country park – and associated infrastructure and landscaping.

Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster, said: “We have a vision that everyone has a home, and we hope that the 148 new affordable properties coming to Salisbury will make a big difference to the local community.

“Whether looking to rent or part-own through shared ownership, the mix of homes will cater to a range of people enabling them to live in an area they love, close to family and friends.”

Emma Colin, managing director for Vistry’s Western region, commented: “It’s very exciting to start work on this flagship development that will create high quality energy efficient homes for the local community.

“This collaborative project has been years in the planning, so it’s wonderful to see activity on site – with the first homes due for completion later this year – it’s a real milestone.”

Phil Farminer, managing director for’ Southern region, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Aster on this project, and to deliver a wide range of affordable homes within a fantastic location. We’re very proud that more than 40 per cent of the whole development will be delivered as affordable homes with a range of tenure options.”

The site was secured by Vistry’s strategic land team, which acquired an interest in the land in 2013. Senior strategic development manager, Robert Winstone, commented: “It’s fantastic to see things take shape – not only will the site feature a high-quality landscape-led development, but it will also support the community by contributing more than £14.5 million towards education, healthcare, the Salisbury Transport Strategy and a new doctors’ surgery in central Salisbury.”

Public art and 21 hectares of open space – including three play parks and a 10-hectare country park – will also be delivered as part of the masterplan.