The first foundations have been laid at the next phase of Swindon’s landmark Wichelstowe development with record numbers of people registering their interest in buying one of the new homes.
Work is now underway on the 182 new Barratt homes at Wichel Fields, Wichelstowe with show homes expected to open in the autumn. They will range from one and two-bedroom apartments to two, three and four bedroom homes. Prices will start from £279,995 for a two bedroom home, £369,995 for a three bedroom home and £384,995 for a four bedroom home.
The new homes are being built with timber frames which have been constructed using innovative off-site manufacturing. Precision-cut, the frame is then brought to the construction site, enabling much faster, more efficient construction, as well as bringing sustainability benefits including responsibly sourced timber and a low carbon build process. This is in line with Barratt Developments’ industry-leading commitment to becoming a net zero carbon housebuilder.
Wichel Fields is a key part of the second phase of the Wichelstowe development being delivered in partnership with the local authority and set to deliver 3,000 much-needed new homes in total over the next 20 years. In addition to 208 new homes already delivered, the 250 acre site also includes schools, a supermarket, a pub restaurant and community facilities. Once complete, there will be 200 acres of open space, 12km of new footways and cycleways, 1.5 acres of allotments and 20 acres of play areas and sports pitches.
Construction is also progressing on the new road network. Access to Wichel Fields will be via the new roundabout currently being built on Mill Lane. Good progress is being made and the works are due to complete in the spring.
Wichelstowe project director Daniel Pavely said:
“We’re delighted to be getting underway with the Wichel Fields area of the development. As well as a range of house styles and sizes, we’re using varied and modern construction methods, including off-site manufactured timber frames, which not only helps speed up construction time, but importantly help to reduce the environmental impact of the build process.”
Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes’ Bristol division, which covers Swindon, added:
“We are thrilled with the level of interest in this second phase of much-needed new homes here at Wichelstowe. The broad range of new homes, outdoor space and nature conservation have really captured customers’ imagination and they are as excited as we are to see this next phase taking shape.”
New ecological measures for the development will include hundreds of new trees, new ponds, wildflower grassland to attract a range of pollinators along with broader wildlife habitat creation and protection, such as the creation of sheltered areas for hibernating animals.
Work has also started in The Orchards at the North of the development which will launch later this year selling both Barratt and David Wilson homes.