House building has officially started on the new phase of Wichelstowe, the landmark development south of Swindon.
The next phase of the development, which is named Canalside @ Wichelstowe, will feature a mix of 208 apartments and houses from five-star builders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. In the initial stages more than 1,000 jobs will be supported by the scheme and residents will be able to move in next year.
The scheme is being delivered by a joint venture company which is a 50:50 partnership between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments plc. Over the next 20 years, the Wichelstowe Joint Venture will deliver around 3,000 new homes on a 250-hectare area of land. Wichelstowe, which will have an extensive area of open space featuring playing pitches, allotments and nature conservation, will include three primary schools and a secondary school.
The restoration of the Wilts and Berks canal will help to create a strong heart to the development and the scheme will make the best use of the existing site to create housing to meet the needs of a wide range of buyers.
For commuters there is easy access to the M4 motorway, which is just a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, Swindon train station is just under 3 miles away.
Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Wichelstowe Joint Venture as these homes will be set in a stunning location alongside the recently restored Wilts and Berks Canal.
“The nearby Council-led District Centre is also really coming along. The new footbridge connecting Waitrose with the Hall and Woodhouse pub was opened just days ago and in September the top-class secondary school, The Deanery Academy, will open its doors to its first pupils.”
He added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Barratt Developments plc to deliver what will be a flagship development, creating a stand-out community for people in Swindon.”
Chris Burton, Regional Managing Director, Barratt Developments West Region and Wichelstowe, Joint Venture Board Chair, said: “Today marks a real milestone in the delivery of our vision for Wichelstowe – the creation of an outstanding community which people will want to make their home.”
“We are looking forward to the sales launch within the next couple of months and welcoming the first new residents early next year.’
Buyers can register their interest now and will have the opportunity to reserve a home off plan before the official opening. The on-site marketing suite will open in the next couple of months.
To find out more about the first homes at Wichelstowe visit www.barratthomes.co.uk and www.dwh.co.uk. Alternatively call 0330 057 6000.
