Final affordable homes at McLaren Gardens, Spalding, completed
The last properties at a new housing development named after a Spalding MP killed in the First World War have been completed.
The building of 48 new affordable homes at McLaren Gardens in Spalding started in October 2017 have been funded by a £4.65 million development being partially funded through a £815,000 Homes England grant.
The registered provider, Waterloo Housing, now part of the Platform Housing Group, funded the remainder of the project and were given final handover of the site last week from the contractor, Geda Construction.
The new homes, comprising one- and two-bedroom properties for affordable rent, and two- and three-bedroom houses for shared ownership, are built on the site of a former car showroom on St John's Road.
The development was named McLaren Gardens to commemorate the Honourable Francis Walter Stafford McLaren, who was an MP for Spalding but was killed during World War 1 in a flying accident.
South Holland District Council encouraged Platform Housing Group to build more affordable homes in the district through their partnership working. The council has also benefited from nomination rights to the 15 rented properties, which have been let to people in housing need from the council’s Housing Register.
The 33 shared ownership properties have been sold or reserved to those who either live or work in the district.
Shared ownership offers the opportunity for residents who can't afford to buy outright to get a foot on the property ladder. Shared owners usually pay less in rent and mortgage than outright owners and private rented tenants.
Coun Christine Lawton, portfolio holder for housing, said she was delighted to see new affordable homes built and serving the community.
"It’s fabulous to see these homes benefitting the community. It’s a great new development and one we are keen to replicate across the district so everyone can benefit from good, quality affordable housing.”
Kerry Cade, project manager for Platform Housing Group, said: “Our contractor, Geda Construction, have done a great job turning a brownfield site into a very attractive housing development.
"The shared ownership sales units have proved very popular, with the majority of the properties being reserved off plan. We’ve also provided much needed one- and two-bedroom homes for rent to people with a local connection to the Spalding and South Holland area.”
Platform Housing Group has plans to develop new affordable homes for rent and shared ownership in Cowbit, which should be completed during 2020.