Abri has started work on its largest regeneration project to date, laying the foundations for the first 61 affordable homes at the Sawyers Close development.
Dedworth Ward councillors, Alison Carpenter and Helen Price, were on-site to mark the occasion.
Over the next five years, Abri, along with its construction partner, The Hill Group, will build 413 sustainable homes for its current residents and the local community in Windsor. The new homes will be 100% affordable.
The project will see the demolition of the existing buildings, comprising four tower blocks of 192 properties in total. Almost all current residents are expected to be moved into their new homes within the next three and a half years.
Ward Councillor Helen Price, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, said: “This regeneration is so important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will increase the number of social homes in this community, which are desperately needed.”
“Secondly, there will be high-quality, energy-efficient homes to replace the current stock, which is way past its sell-by date. And thirdly, there will be a greater mix of homes, including one, two and three-bed flats, as well as three and four-bedroom houses specifically designed to meet the needs of local families.”
Abri recently carried out a survey with existing residents to capture how they feel about life on the estate and the services provided to them. 86 out of 154 households responded, demonstrating a real desire for change and improvement.
Key findings include:
- Residents of Sawyers Close report lower life satisfaction and sense of purpose, along with higher anxiety and lower happiness, compared to those in Windsor, Maidenhead, and the UK overall
- Residents were most satisfied with the quality of green spaces and Abri’s contributions to their community and the overall service Abri provides, although less than half were proud to say they lived at Sawyers Close.
- When asked about the regeneration, residents most often expressed excitement, concerns over slow progress and ongoing issues with property or repairs.
Paul Quinn, regeneration project director at Abri, said: “It is fantastic to see the machines rolling in and laying the foundations on Abri’s biggest ever regeneration project.”
“Our recent survey of residents shows a real desire to see the regeneration of the Sawyers Close estate. We are giving the redevelopment a new brand name, ‘The Granges’, and are united with our partners Hill and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in our aim to create a fresh, safe and vibrant local community for all to enjoy.”
Gary McDonald, contracts manager at The Hill Group, commented: “We’re proud to be working with Abri on this major regeneration project and to welcome Dedworth Ward Councillors Alison Carpenter and Helen Price to site as the foundations were laid for the first 61 affordable homes. These homes will help transform lives and play a key role in creating a brighter future for the community.”
“It’s also fantastic to see residents shaping that future by helping choose the new name, The Granges. At Hill, we believe successful regeneration includes working closely with the community, and we’re committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that reflect their vision.”
