Redevelopment of outdated Speen flats given go ahead

The new Kersey Crescent development – to be built by Sovereign housing association in partnership with David Wilson Homes – will comprise two one-bedroom and 40 two-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom, 23 three-bedroom and 11 four-
bedroom houses, for rent, shared ownership and sale, with construction set to get under way in the next couple of months. Of these, 23 will be affordable homes.
Overall, there will be 199 bedrooms available, an increase of 49 bedrooms.
There were no objections to the proposed redevelopment from residents.
Plans to demolish the 1960s-built flats have been on the cards for several years.
Issues with heating and damp in many of the properties had made temporary
letting of the flats unsustainable by the late-2000s. However, changes to funding for affordable homes saw the project postponed.
By August last year, only a small
number of the properties were occupied, the residents of which have since been rehomed by Sovereign.
The first properties are expected to be available in early-2015 with the development due to be complete a year later.
The regional development director for Sovereign, Roger Keeling, said: “We have wanted to redevelop this site for many years, and so provide high-quality, modern homes that meet a variety of housing needs for the people of Newbury.
“We have consulted local residents and councillors about our plans and incorporated their feedback into the designs.
“We’re confident that this development will transform this area into a desirable part of the town in which to live.”
The managing director of David Wilson Homes, Paul Crispin, said: “We are delighted to have formed a partnership with Sovereign to develop the new homes in Kersey Crescent, and the strengths of these two local organisations complement one another, creating a formidable regeneration team.
“Designs for the new scheme have drawn upon our technical and commercial expertise, which, combined with the added benefit of local community involvement led by Sovereign’s team, have created a scheme of which we will all be proud.
“We very much look forward to working with Sovereign over the coming years, and helping to create a great place to live.”