Swindon-based construction firm Beard has started work on a multi-site affordable housing and regeneration project with Stroud District Council.
Beard, a family-run firm for 128 years, has started work on 36 new homes across three sites within the Stroud District Council area at a cost of £5.34m.
The three sites are the first of eight that are due to be awarded to Beard as part of the project which runs up until 2023, with almost 100 homes set to be built in total.
The first phase of the New Homes and Regeneration programme includes 20 homes in Nailsworth, nine in Eastington and seven in Minchinhampton. All 36 properties will not only be designated affordable homes – as Stroud District Council still owns and manages its housing stock – but they will also include energy efficient features to help keep running costs down.
Despite the ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Beard has been able to start work on schedule thanks to its strict onsite safety procedures and best practice developed after almost a year of working successfully within government limitations.
Beard, which is well known for its prompt and faultless delivery, has worked in partnership with Stroud District Council since 2019 on a successful programme of upgrades to its network of sheltered schemes.
With expertise in healthcare, education and accommodation sectors, Beard recognises the importance of providing affordable housing to modern day standards. As part of the contract bid the firm was able to demonstrate its ability to work closely with their customer, understand their requirements and how they would bring their extensive construction skills and experience to deliver these new homes.
Marc Bayley, Swindon Director at Beard, said: “At Beard we believe in creating buildings which are spaces for living, working, playing, and connecting.
“There are few things more important than the space where you live, particularly in these changed times where we’re all spending more time at home than ever.
“As such it’s a great responsibility to ensure these 36 buildings are homes for people to feel comfortable and secure in. A key feature for us, as a business with a real focus on reducing environmental impact, is the energy efficient design of the homes.
“This is an important development for Stroud District Council and we’re proud to lead on the construction work across the three sites with much more to come over the next two years.”
Chair of Stroud District Council’s Housing Committee, Mattie Ross said: “Affordable housing is a key priority for the Stroud District Council and these homes demonstrate our ongoing commitment to positively contributing to the provision of affordable, good quality homes that meet current and future needs.”
Chris Kemp, Senior Building Surveyor at Kendall Kingscott Ltd added:
“The three schemes represent a great opportunity for the creative re-use of Stroud District Council’s land to provide new housing within the region. Kendall Kingscott is looking forward to working with the project team to deliver a high quality long term sustainable development.”