Work has been completed on 200 new homes at the Daedalus site in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Wates Residential recently celebrated the official completion of the Daedalus Village scheme.

The site is part of an initiative designed to enable the Government to fast-track the building of homes on publicly owned land and diversify housing delivery.

Wates Residential, part of leading privately-owned construction, property services and development company, Wates Group, was chosen by Homes England to act as the delivery partner for the scheme, which has dramatically increased the number of new homes available for local people.

The national developer was joined by Homes England, housing provider Abri, the local Mayor and Council Leader, to commemorate the occasion with the unveiling of a new heritage board, celebrating the historic past of the former Royal Naval Air Station and the vital role it played in Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944, when it was the busiest UK airfield on D-Day.

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The site provides a mix of housing, with 120 private homes and 80 affordable homes, with Abri responsible for managing the shared ownership properties on the site. The new homes have proved a great success, with all homes sold and residents moved in.

In addition to delivering crucial housing, the project boosted the local economy through the appointment of local suppliers and the creation of training and educational opportunities. Wates Residential recruited a workforce made up of 41% local people, engaged with 839 young people via educational projects, in addition to hosting work experience placements and courses aimed at unemployed adults in the local area throughout the project.

Helen Bunch, Executive Managing Director at Wates Residential, said: "Our goal was to help transform a historic landmark which had fallen into disrepair into an attractive and authentic development that reflects the historic character of the area. Through our work, we not only delivered 200 new high quality homes for local people but also increased opportunities in the area through our investment in education, training and skills.

"We are looking forward to continuing our work at Daedalus with the next phase of the project to continue to create a viable future for the Daedalus Village development and rejuvenate the local area."