The joint venture company delivering Wichelstowe, the landmark new home development south of Swindon, has appointed its first significant contractor. Civil engineering company Conlon Ltd has been awarded the contract for the groundworks to support the first 208 homes and will begin work this month.
Conlon is an experienced family business that employs more than 280 people in north-east Wiltshire and delivers important contracts across the south-west. At Wichelstowe it will be responsible for delivering the earthworks, substructure and drainage prior to the construction of the properties.
The scheme is being delivered by a joint venture company — a 50:50 partnership between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments plc. Over the next 20 years, the Wichelstowe Joint Venture will deliver around 3,000 new homes on a 250-hectare area of land. Wichelstowe, which will have an extensive area of open space, will include three primary schools and a secondary school.
The first phase of the development, from five star housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is named Canalside @ Wichelstowe and will feature a mix of apartments and houses designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The first residents will be able to move in next year.
Dan Pavely, Project Director for Wichelstowe, said: “Awarding the groundworks contract to Conlon is a significant appointment for the development and signals that work is about to start in earnest. Conlon is a well-respected local company and part of our remit is to support local companies and local jobs. We are delighted to have them on board.”
Dermot Conlon, from Conlon, said: “Wichelstowe is one of the most significant developments in the region and we are thrilled to have been appointed as the main groundworks contractor for this phase. We are committed to delivering work of the highest standard and the scheme will have our total commitment.”
