A Southampton quayside development will be the first to benefit from a Government scheme to build homes specifically for private rent.

Housing Minister Mark Prisk welcomed the first deal under the Government's £1 billion Build to Rent scheme, to deliver homes private rent as part of a 1,600-home development at the Centenary Quay development.

He said the announcement was a clear example of Government-led efforts to build a bigger, better private rented sector to give tenants greater choice.

The £500million Centenary Quay project will transform the former Vosper Thorneycroft marine works in Southampton, to offer a total of 1,600 homes as well as shops, cafés and a new supermarket.

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Today's Build to Rent deal forms part of a £7.5million package to help deliver 230 of the homes on the site – 102 of which will be available for private rent.

As soon as the 102 homes for private rent are completed, developers Crest Nicholson will then sell them to the A2 Dominion Group who will let and manage them as the landlord.

Mr Prisk said: "We're determined to build a bigger and better private rented sector that gives tenants a wide choice of good quality homes.

"That's why I'm delighted that the Centenary Quay development in Southampton will be the first to receive funding through our Build to Rent scheme, to deliver 102 homes for rent in the heart of Southampton.

"I look forward to seeing these new homes, and meeting the new tenants as they move into this exciting new development."

(CD/MH)