Landmark joint venture signed for 2,750 homes near Swindon

A joint venture agreement has been signed between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments to bring around 2,750 homes to the 250 hectare Wichelstowe development to the south of Swindon.

The new joint venture company will combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors to create a high-quality and attractive development.

Barratt Developments celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year and since it began Barratt has built more than 450,000 quality homes for both first time buyers and people moving up the property ladder. It is now recognised as the UK’s most recommended major national housebuilder.

The restoration of the Wilts and Berks canal helps create a strong heart to the development which will include significant areas of open space. The scheme will make the best use of the existing site creating housing to meet the needs of a wide range of buyers.

More than 1,000 jobs will be supported by the scheme in the initial stages and the first residents will move in during 2019.

Outline planning permission was granted for the entire Wichelstowe development in 2005, and approximately 800 homes have already been built in the East Wichel area.

Cllr Toby Elliott, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, said: “This is a significant deal for the Council and for Swindon. The joint venture partnership will see us working closely over the long term with the UK’s biggest and most successful housebuilder.

“Our aim with Wichelstowe is to build a community that will be very attractive to live in, and with all the facilities nearby that people need and value. We have already made a start with the existing Waitrose and the construction of the new district centre and secondary school in the area known as Canalside, which means facilities will be there for new buyers from the start.”

Chris Burton, Regional Managing Director, Barratt Developments West Region, said: “We are extremely pleased to be moving the Wichelstowe development forward. This is a very important scheme and I’m delighted to report that we share Swindon Borough Council’s vision in creating an outstanding place to live for the people of Swindon and further afield.”