The completion of Southampton's first estate regeneration project has been celebrated with a grand opening involving its supporters.

The event marked the completion of four one-bedroom and twelve two bedroom flats for rent and five new shops at Hinkler Place in Thornhill, which was formally opened by Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council.

Councillor Smith said: "I am proud to be able to formally open Hinkler Place. We have worked very closely with the local community to ensure that they had a real voice in the work that was being done.

"In this respect, Hinkler Place is an exemplary scheme, setting the benchmark as to how we must consult the local community. Our partners in the project, Barratt Homes, First Wessex and Plus You Limited have continued to work with us and the community to deliver the transformation. I must thank the Homes and Communities Agency, PUSH and Thornhill Plus You who gave grant funding to the project to make it possible, and also the Co-Op for taking on two of the new shops to continue the services the community wanted.

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"Hinkler Place is the first major scheme by Southampton City Council to transform council estates across the city in decades, and will provide more good quality homes and facilities for residents and local jobs and training opportunities."

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has invested more than £3m in the delivery of new homes in support of this project, and worked closely with partners to ensure that high standards of design and sustainability are achieved on the new properties.

Hazel Warwick, Development Director at First Wessex said: "We are very excited that the first 16 affordable homes at Hinkler Place have recently been let. These are the first of 43 much needed affordable new homes which will go a long way towards meeting housing need in Thornhill. We expect a further eight flats and 19 houses for rent to be completed by next summer. All the new homes are designed and constructed to meet the Code for Sustainable homes level 4, and most incorporate innovative heating technologies including air source heat pumps, and photo-voltaic panels. We hope that these energy efficient technologies will bring many benefits to residents now and in the future."

(CD)