A first for Eastleigh estate

First Wessex celebrated the completion of the first new homes on the Velmore estate, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, with a plaque unveiling ceremony.

The nine two-bedroom bungalows on Somerset Crescent are part of a large regeneration scheme taking place on the estate; which will include: 53 bungalows, 41 three-bedroom houses, 13 two-bedroom houses, 2 four-bedroom houses and 80 two-bedroom flats with 12 homes designed for residents who use wheelchairs and who have support needs.

The soon to be residents of the new bungalows attended the afternoon celebrations, along with members of First Wessex, contractors Lovell, councillors and staff from Eastleigh Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which has provided more than £15 million of investment to the scheme.

Paul Jenks, Chair of First Wessex’s Local Management Board said: “First Wessex is very proud to be able to celebrate the completion of the first much needed affordable new homes on Velmore. This regeneration project is a real boost to the area and we would like to thank our partners Lovell Partnership Homes, Eastleigh Borough Council and the Homes & Communities Agency for their support and hard work since the project began.”

Kevin Bourner, head of area at the HCA, said: “The new homes opened today are just part of the exciting regeneration of the Velmore estate. The homes are designed and built to a high environmental standard and the HCA is pleased to have been able to assist partners to deliver this key project for the local community.”

The regeneration scheme, with an investment of over £20 million, requires the demolition of 100 1960s-built very small one-bedroom bungalows and their replacement with 189 new energy-efficient homes built to modern standards.

First Wessex also completed the remodeling and extension of 18 bungalows on Somerset Crescent towards the end of 2009.

Residents have been closely involved in the scheme to redevelop their homes through an extensive programme of community consultation. First Wessex is currently consulting with local residents on community projects and a local travel plan for the estate.

The new housing will meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This may involve a combination of solar panels for hot water, photo-voltaic panels for electricity generation and excellent insulation to the properties which would enable a typical home to reduce its CO2 emissions by 25 per cent. Homes are also being installed with low-energy lighting, water-saving low-flow appliances and recycling bins as well as facilities for bicycle storage.

As part of the regeneration program, First Wessex and Lovell are working in partnership to provide job and training opportunities, including construction apprenticeships, for local people.