Work has begun to demolish outdated flats at Austin Road in Cirencester, clearing the way for 14 new energy-efficient, affordable homes.

BFL (Bromford Flagship LiveWest) is replacing two blocks of flats – numbers 26 to 36 and 38 to 48 – which had become difficult to let and were no longer fit for purpose. In their place, 14 modern homes will be built: eight one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom family homes. All will be available for social rent.

Millie Nicholls, Regeneration Project Manager at BFL, said: “This is a really exciting moment for everyone involved. These flats have served their time, but they no longer meet the standards our customers deserve. Replacing them with well-designed, energy-efficient homes is the right thing to do. It’s great to see the work getting started on site.”

Construction partner EG Carter, a family-owned firm based in Gloucester, is the principal contractor. David Horton Contractors is carrying out the initial demolition, with construction expected to begin in the spring.

Mathew Vye, Residential Director at EG Carter, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Bromford on this important regeneration project. Transforming this site into modern, energy-efficient homes will make a real difference for local people.”

The homes have been designed by Oakley Architects to complement the surrounding streetscape, with a mix of house types responding to local need. The development will feature solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and sustainable drainage, with timber frame construction meaning the homes will be cheaper to run.

Bromford consulted with existing customers from late 2023 and helped residents in the affected flats move into suitable alternative accommodation. A community consultation held in July 2024 received widespread support from locals and councillors.

Councillor Juliet Layton, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and planning at Cotswold District Council, said: “This project represents a significant step towards delivering the high-quality, affordable homes our communities need.”

Planning permission was granted by Cotswold District Council in July 2025. Families will begin moving into the first new homes in autumn 2027, with all homes expected to be finished by spring 2029.

 

Images (Credit to Simon Hanagarth)

1.Staff from Bromford and partners, as well as local councillors, came together to mark the start of a project to rebuild homes at Austin Road in Cirencester

2. Millie Nicholls, Regeneration Project Manager at BFL, at the Austin Road, Cirencester, site.
3. Pictured at the Austin Road site are local councillors, from left, Pete Smith, Sarah Orr, Claire Bloomer and Mark Harris

 

4. An aerial view of the Austin Road site