A new development of 100% affordable Southampton homes has been celebrated as the first section of the scheme nears completion.
Following an appraisal process, where housing association partners were invited to submit indicative proposals and financial offers, Southampton City Council sold the former Brownhill House site in Lower Brownhill Road, Lordshill, to Sovereign in February 2019.
Sovereign owns approximately 1,000 homes in Southampton and is a key provider of affordable housing in the city.
Work to build 29 homes on the site — 17 houses and 12 flats, including a ground floor apartment for residents with access needs — has been progressing well and representatives from Southampton City Council, Sovereign and building contractor Drew Smith Group gathered on site to see the build in action.
Fifteen of the homes will be made available at Affordable Rent, while 14 will be set aside as shared ownership properties via Help to Buy; applicants will be able to buy a stake in their home.
The new homes have been made a reality thanks to a Homes England grant, which is helping to finance the scheme. It is expected residents will be able to move in by the end of summer 2020 at the latest.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture at Southampton City Council, said: “This development by Sovereign is a great example of the council working with partners to bring forward the development of city sites and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing for local residents.”
Jenny Grote, Regional Head of Development at Sovereign, commented: “We pride ourselves on our partnership working at Sovereign and this is another brilliant example. Working with Southampton City Council, Homes England and Drew Smith Group, we’ve brought about a development that will provide 29 much-needed quality affordable homes in an area where people want to live.”
Leanne Smith, New Business Director at Drew Smith Group, said: “It was fantastic to be able to visit the Lower Brownhill site with our trusted delivery partners Sovereign and Southampton City Council to see how well things are progressing. This development is bringing vital affordable homes to an area very much in need and we are extremely proud to play a part in that process.”
Southampton City Council has exciting plans to deliver more affordable homes in the city and is making excellent progress with several developments, including the construction of 103 homes on the former Oaklands Community School site in Fairisle Road.
Header image shows Representatives from Southampton City Council, Sovereign and Drew Smith Group at the former Brownhill House site in Lower Brownhill Road.
