Watford Community Housing has taken handover of 29 much-needed affordable homes at Watford Riverwell. Willow Lodge sits alongside two blocks of homes for market sale and provides 23 homes for shared ownership and six for affordable rent — comprising 20 two-bedroom and nine one-bedroom properties.
The block has been developed by Watford Woodlands, a joint venture between Watford Borough Council and developer Kier Property, under the development’s section 106 agreement. These agreements ensure that a proportion of new-build schemes are provided for affordable tenures such as shared ownership and affordable rent.
The new homes include high-quality features and fittings, including home interface units for the control of heating systems and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery units, which provide a constant supply of fresh filtered air while ensuring that the home remains energy-efficient.
Willow Lodge also features beautifully landscaped surroundings and expansive green views to the rear of the building. Balconies of the affordable rent homes overlook wicker feature play areas, creating a welcoming and safe environment for families.
The homes for rent have been allocated to people registered on Watford Borough Council’s housing waiting list, while the shared ownership homes are available now to anyone looking for an affordable option to take their first step onto the housing ladder.
Gareth Lewis, Director of Partnerships at Watford Community Housing, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been working in partnership with Watford Woodlands on this amazing scheme and we are so pleased with the exceptionally high quality of the homes. Working closely with Watford Woodlands on this development has allowed us to deliver desperately needed homes that give local people a chance to live in a high-quality home at a price they can afford.”
Elected Mayor Peter Taylor said: “I am very pleased to see this development completed. Getting more affordable housing is so important if we want to make sure Watford is a town that local people can continue to afford to live in. I am determined to make sure there is more affordable and social housing in our town.”
Andrew Storey, Managing Director for Kier Property Regeneration, added: “This has been an extremely successful partnership at Watford Riverwell. We are very pleased with the finished product and the team’s approach and delivery. This is our first project with Watford Community Housing and we hope to work with them again in the future.”
