Gorse Ride residents move into new homes

Dozens of residents have now moved into their new homes at the Gorse Ride regeneration in Finchampstead. 

They are the first residents to move into their new homes during the current phase of work, with 37 homes now handed over to Wokingham Borough Council.

Coming next will be eight more houses and two apartment blocks, which will provide 59 more homes for rent and shared ownership.

These are now watertight, with internal fit out and utilities being fitted for each property. 

The current phase is taking place in former Firs Close and Dart Close area and has now been renamed by the local community as Primrose Crescent and Daffodil Drive.

Flagship housing project providing 249 homes

The Gorse Ride regeneration is one of Wokingham Borough Council’s flagship housing projects and will see 249 new modern homes built, the majority of which will be affordable, to meet growing, local demand.

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader and executive member for housing, partnerships and the Local Plan, said: “It’s delightful to see the real progress being made on site and seeing residents enjoying their new homes.

“High quality affordable housing is hugely needed in Wokingham Borough and it’s our priority to deliver it for our residents.

“This project is now providing homes for dozens of residents and it will soon house hundreds, through our vision and commitment to regeneration in this area. 

“I am very proud that the first homes in this phase have housed over 90 per cent of people moving from the regeneration area and we have been able to keep the local community together, which is one of main aims of this project.

“Working in partnership with the community here means we’ve been able to make better decisions every step of the way to ensure it meets their needs.”

74 per cent affordable housing

Cllr Conway visited the site earlier this month to see progress and meet residents who had moved into their new homes. 

The council is working alongside Wates Group to build the new homes, in place of the original 1970s homes, with 74 per cent being affordable, to meet the needs of local residents.

The new homes have been designed to be energy efficient with high levels of insulation and low carbon innovations, such as air source heat pumps to help reduce emissions. 

This makes them more affordable to heat, tackling the fuel poverty crisis whilst helping to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.

'Exciting changes and fresh opportunities'

Steve Bowers, chairman of the Gorse Ride community steering group, who has lived in the area for more than 50 years, said: “Moving into a new home brings exciting changes and fresh opportunities and this especially goes for developing a new community - which is the main aim of the Gorse Ride regeneration steering group.”

Cllr Conway added: “Having the highest energy standards we can means the people who live in these homes have lower bills and, ultimately, a better quality of life. 

“This is hugely important for the people who live here and improving their day to day lives, as well as helping the council and our broader aims of reducing the borough’s carbon footprint.”

Phased regeneration

The phased regeneration will take place over many years, transforming the community into a place local people can be proud of. 

The council will continue to work closely with the local community throughout the project to ensure people are relocated and new properties are delivered with as little disruption as possible.

The first phase of the Gorse Ride regeneration was in Arnett Avenue - 46 new homes (36 flats and 10 three bedroomed houses), which completed in summer 2021.

Future phases (2b and 2c) include Orbit Close, Whittle Close, part of Gorse Ride South and the remainder of Billing Avenue.