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A family that is set to move into a bespoke property at Gorse Ride have laid a brick to mark the progress of the construction of their new home.
The Gorse Ride regeneration is one of Wokingham Borough Council’s flagship housing projects which will see 249 new modern homes built on site, the majority of which will be affordable homes to meet growing, local demand.
Four properties have been designed to accommodate the specific needs of people moving into the regenerated new homes including two-three bedroom bungalows, a one-bedroom apartment as well as a three-bedroom house.
The properties are wheelchair accessible, have height-adjustable kitchen worktops, level access shower facilities, and can have hoists fitted if needed.
The family visited their new home to view at first hand progress being made. As well as the accessible features that all the properties have, their home will also have a through floor lift and a good amount of space for storing their daughter Daisy’s equipment. They are set to move in towards the end of 2024.
The council’s occupational therapy team has worked very closely with the family and the regeneration team to ensure the new home has accessible features which they will benefit from, and that they are tailored towards the specific needs of the family and their daughter who uses a wheelchair.
All 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 and make them more affordable to heat. This helps tackle the fuel poverty crisis whilst helping to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.
Daisy’s father Andrew Gale said: “Whilst watching the building construction starting, I had a thought about them starting our house soon.
2I had an idea of asking if it would be possible to lay a brick during the bricklaying process, as I quite liked the idea of being able to say that I helped to build our house, especially as the regeneration team has been actively trying to include the community with the project.
“Our whole family was invited on to the site to be involved with the event. It was great to see how many people, from councillors to site managers, were able to attend, especially considering the weather wasn’t the best.
“Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that I’m proud to have been a part of.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who made it possible, and for the effort they all went to.”
Construction work is continuing at pace. Last month a tower crane was installed on the site, which is being used to construct two of the new apartment blocks. Foundations have been laid for the apartment blocks and construction is now underway. Work also continues, including electrical and mechanical works, inside the first 16 homes and residents will be moving in towards the end of spring.
Leader of the council, and executive member for housing, Cllr Stephen Conway said: “As part of our commitment to regenerate Gorse Ride we wanted to ensure that some of our properties were bespoke so we could meet the range of needs of people who lived in the area.
“This will also allow these residents to remain in the community where they live now but in homes that truly meet their needs.
“It is important to us that people can lead independent and fulfilling lives at home with their families and we must do all we can to enable this to happen.
“Extended family members are also being rehomed in the area as part of the regeneration programme and our guiding principle has always been to keep the community together.
“It allows Daisy to continue to live near her close relatives which will have a positive impact on her life, and the wider family.”
Lee Bushell, regional director of Wates Residential, said: “We are delighted to be involved in creating truly accessible, bespoke homes for some of Gorse Ride’s families, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of remaining within the Gorse Ride community.
“This development will provide not just new, comfortable, affordable homes but will benefit the community through employment and training opportunities as well as economic growth for generations to come.”
The phased regeneration at Gorse Ride 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 second phase of the regeneration to ensure people are relocated and new properties are delivered with as little disruption as possible.
