Swindon Borough Council’s ambitious £34 million affordable housing scheme along Queens Drive is on the verge of completion, with the last units set to be handed over to tenants in the coming weeks.
A total of 149 homes, comprising 100 apartments and 49 houses, have been constructed on the site formerly occupied by the George Gay Gardens residential block and adjacent flats.
The initial phase of the development, which included 47 homes, was finalised in 2021, with residents swiftly moving in thereafter. Now, in the current second phase, 64 of the new homes are already occupied, with the remaining 38 units scheduled for completion by mid-March under the oversight of Swindon Borough Council’s contractor, Wilmott Dixon.
Reflecting Swindon’s rich railway heritage, the buildings’ designs draw inspiration from the town’s historic engine sheds, evident in the distinctive gable ends.
Embracing sustainability, the homes are equipped with solar panels and triple glazing, while the incorporation of bird boxes and additional tree planting aims to foster local wildlife.
Beyond addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in Swindon, the development serves as a welcoming gateway to the town centre, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, expressed her satisfaction with the project’s progress, saying: “I’m very pleased to see this scheme is close to completion and I hope that everyone that moves in will be very happy living here.
“It’s important that Swindon has affordable housing for our residents. Not only that, but we must also make sure these developments improve our local environment, and the inclusion of solar panels and bird boxes is a huge positive for the local area.”
Echoing this sentiment, Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, hailed the completion of the scheme as a significant milestone aligned with the council’s overarching goals of enhancing community welfare, reducing inequality, and achieving net-zero emissions.
“This scheme fits our three main missions of Building a Better Swindon, Reducing Inequality and Achieving Net Zero and I’m sure the new units will be great to live in,” he said.
“We also intend to build on this project with more affordable housing and we hope to have some big announcements in the near future.”
