Work has started on a Worcester development where leading housing provider Stonewater is building 79 new affordable homes.

It was marked by an event at Bath Road, a former coach depot, attended by Stonewater and members of construction partner Living Space Homes.

All the properties will be delivered as affordable housing, with 31 units available for social rent, 13 for affordable rent, 10 Rent to Buy homes and 25 offered for shared ownership.

The Rent to Buy scheme gives customers the chance to rent their home at 80 per cent of the market rent so they can save for a deposit on their own property after five years.

The site is located within the larger Worcester South Urban Extension in Kempsey, which is made up of a variety of different developments.

At its heart will be a new local centre, shops and a range of community facilities.

Stonewater is also working with Living Space Housing to commission a piece of public art for the development that will pay tribute to the site’s heritage.

The provider commissions public art pieces in each of its new developments to foster a sense of community and provide a focal point for customers to come together.

Matt Crucefix, Development Director for West and South West at Stonewater, said: “To be able to provide a significant number of new affordable homes in Worcester will give local people an opportunity to secure a safe, secure and warm home of their own, something too many people are struggling to do.

“All the homes at Bath Road will have air source heat pumps installed, with many homes also benefiting from electric vehicle charging points, meaning customers will have future-proof, sustainable heating and transportation options on their doorsteps. Solar panels will also be fitted to the properties, to help minimise energy costs for residents.

“Bath Road is a perfect spot for this development, which will help with the overall housing shortage across Worcester and the Malvern Hills District. New customers will have easy access to many local amenities, as well as being able to enjoy the public art installation for many years to come.”

Paul Breen, Managing Director for Living Space Housing, said: “This is our largest project to date and marks our third collaboration with Stonewater this year – having broken ground on 54 affordable homes in Herefordshire back in July, and starting work on our 40-unit site, Cote Road, Aston early this year. Redeveloping brownfield land can be complex, but we’ve worked diligently with stakeholders throughout the planning process to ensure any challenges are addressed.

“Being able to bring in biodiversity and low-carbon credentials to the Worcester community is also something we’re proud to be a part of, showing that sustainability and affordability can go hand-in-hand. We look forward to collaborating with Stonewater on the planning for phase two of the project, to provide even more sustainable, affordable homes to the community.”

Stonewater is also seeking planning permission on the neighbouring site in order to build a further 50 affordable homes.