The former Pig & Whistle pub, off Parkway in Bridgwater, has been officially reopened as a stylish new development of 17 much-needed affordable homes for local people, by Stonewater.
The new housing community, developed by social housing provider Stonewater, in partnership with regional contractors Prelon Properties and Sedgemoor District Council, features eight two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom energy-efficient homes for low-cost rent. The properties, each with a private garden and parking, are located a short walk from Bridgwater train station and close to local shops, schools and other amenities.
“This scheme is an excellent example of how a brownfield site can be redeveloped to provide much-needed affordable housing,” said Jonathan Layzell, Stonewater’s Executive Director for Development. “With the average rent in the Sedgemoor District almost a third* (30%) of the local living wage, many local people are forced to look outside of their local area to find a good-quality home at a price they can afford. We hope that these new homes in Bridgwater will help more local people find homes within their price range, close to their family, friends and place of work. We are delighted to have worked with Sedgemoor District Council on this urgently-needed scheme.”
The new housing development has been funded by Stonewater, with an additional £263,500 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and a £34,000 Recycled Capital Grant.
“Providing affordable homes is an ongoing priority for the council and this official opening represents another significant step forward,” commented Councillor Andrew Gilling, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Sedgemoor District Council. “It’s particularly positive to see the completion of this project within the heart of Sydenham. The 17 new homes involved have taken forward a previously derelict site and delivered a new offer for the community, regenerating the local area and securing investment at a time when the market was most difficult.
“In no small part, I would like to thank Stonewater and my officers for achieving this scheme’s result. Despite a number of potentially project-ending challenges on the way, the successful and safe completion of these new homes represents the culmination of many years’ hard work, and is a testament to Stonewater’s significant efforts to help maintain the delivery of meaningful numbers of new affordable homes across Sedgemoor. The impact of these types of developments have long-lasting benefits for individuals and the wider community.
“Stonewater’s approach to housing provision will help the authority embrace the Government’s priority for more homes. Sedgemoor’s partnership with Stonewater has proved successful here and demonstrates how the authority is contributing positively to that national housing challenge.”
Stonewater, which owns and manages 450 homes in the Sedgemoor District, recently completed a development of 27 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership at Springfield Close in nearby Pawlett village.
*Home Truths 2016/17 — National Housing Federation: the average rent in the Sedgemoor District almost a third (30%) of the local living wage.
