Wokingham Borough Council and contractor Wates Residential have started work on a housing regeneration scheme at Gorse Ride in Finchampstead.

An event was attended by executive member for housing Cllr Stephen Conway, Wates Residential and Chair of the Gorse Ride community steering group Steve Bowers. Cllr Conway initiated the project's milestone by breaking the ground with a ceremonial spade.

Wates Residential will be on site for 36 weeks progressing with the enabling works which include trenching for new drainage and infrastructure for services, levelling the ground, digging and building foundations up to the damp proof course level. Works will also start to form the new roads.

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Executive member for housing Cllr Stephen Conway said: "I am delighted ground works have officially begun as the regeneration continues Phase 2A of the project. Our housing regeneration scheme will see affordable homes built for the future with sustainability in mind. This includes high levels of insulation and low carbon innovations to help residents heat their homes efficiently, helping to tackle the fuel poverty crisis whilst also reducing the borough's carbon footprint.

"We are proud to be working with Wates on this ambitious project and are committed to providing the right homes at the right places for generations to come. We will also be supporting people with additional needs by creating accessible solutions inside their new homes to ensure that they can live independently. We will continue to work closely with Gorse Ride residents to ensure smooth relocations and delivery of new properties with as little disruption as possible."

The project will see 249 new modern homes built on site which includes an incredible 74% of affordable homes to meet growing local demand. Four properties will be designed to accommodate the needs of people moving into the regenerated new homes for example wheelchair accessible with level access to shower facilities.