Investment has been approved to deliver an ambitious plan for housing and other infrastructure projects in Eastleigh.
Coming as part of the project to deliver 3,000 much-needed new homes in the area, funding worth £154.2 million has been committed by the borough council. The investment will not only be used to construct the first 381 new homes on the site, but it will also allow for the building of a brand-new primary school that will help to meet the educational needs of the local area and help to develop further skills and employment. Through an approach that the council has labelled ‘innovative,’ the council has set out five main priorities for the project.
Rather than follow the typical approach, the council decided to deliver the infrastructure that is needed for the development before, or alongside, the construction of the homes. This includes the building of a new road that will link to nearby areas together, with the road expected to be completed in the summer.
The project was taken over by the council in 2018, with the private sector failing to progress it, and this involvement has meant that the needs of local people are being met through the development. 35% of the first phase will deliver affordable social and shared-ownership homes, whilst another 33% will become available for market rent.
An economic boost will also come from the work, as the project will create jobs all along the supply chain. This is also complimented by the development of new commercial and retail premises that will stimulate local business.
Sustainability is also a key feature of the project. The approach that the council is taking ensures no reliance on fossil fuels, whilst all of the homes in the first phase will be heated through ground-source heat pumps. There will also be a 6.3-megawatt solar farm at the centre of the development.
Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Keith House, said:
“This is an important milestone and demonstrates the important, innovative role the council is playing in delivering these much-needed homes. We have ensured that the housing really does meet the needs of local people, with energy-efficient homes being built for affordable tenants, for rent and for family homes. Importantly, we are also demonstrating that this can be done at the same time as delivering the right infrastructure and community benefits, not after development.
“This scheme is more than just a housing project; it also represents a good investment in our community. In time it will contribute income to pay for our local services and support the ongoing provision of affordable housing in Eastleigh.”
Image credit: iStock
