Government cash getting house building back on track in Southampton

Communities Secretary John Denham will today see the first stages of building work getting underway today at the first Kickstart project in the South East.

Mr Denham will see workers at the Portswood Road development in Southampton get on site today thanks to Government’s Kickstart cash and will meet an apprentice who hopes to finish his National Diploma at the site.

The 100-home Portswood Road development had been stalled at the former Wickes store site for over a year and would likely have remained at a standstill without Government help. But thanks to £5.6 million cash workers are starting on the site, less than six weeks after the money was allocated - the first of six projects in the South East which will get off the ground in the coming weeks.

Mr Denham also confirmed more Kickstart cash for Southampton, with £3.3 million to support restarted building work on the Parks Centrale project near the city centre, which will provide 160 much needed affordable homes, social homes and houses for the open market.

Communities Secretary John Denham said: "The Government is determined to play its part in supporting the housing industry through these difficult times by making sure that we provide the homes this country needs.

“That’s why since June we’ve invested £1.5 billion to reinvigorate housebuilding, while at the same time supporting this generation of workers and giving the next generation the chance to gain new skills through apprenticeships.

“Today I’ve seen for myself how the power of Government investment can make a real difference, getting work started at Portswood Road just weeks after news of extra cash. And with over £3million investment to get construction moving again at Parks Centrale, that site will also be back in action within weeks.”

The Kickstart programme is being delivered by the Government’s national housing and regeneration body, the Homes and Communities Agency, and David Edwards, Regional Director for the Homes and Communities Agency in the South East said: “Kickstart has been important in helping maintain housing delivery during the downturn. The Kickstart programme will provide new housing, employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the construction sector.”

Ken Lake, Managing Director of Orchard Homes commented, “The Kickstart funding has enabled us to provide high quality affordable homes which will help to address housing need in Southampton. We are pleased to have had the support of the local community.”

Paul Isaacs, Managing Partner of the Generator Group commented, “We are delighted to be part of this landmark scheme. High quality sustainable regeneration schemes such as this are at the forefront of urban design.”