Construction is progressing well at a new housing development in Thurrock, where there has been a rise in demand from first-time buyers following lockdown.

Building work at Bellway’s Renovo development at Lakeside in West Thurrock is now back on-track after being temporarily paused earlier this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

The first phase of 200 homes is nearing completion, while work is now underway on the first properties in phase two, which will eventually comprise of 146 homes, made up of 56 houses and 90 apartments.

All of the homes in phase one have now been sold, and the first 68 homes in phase two have also been reserved by buyers, with work underway on a further 78 homes, to be released for sale later this year.

Bellway is building a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses in total at Renovo.

Jenny Walker, Sales Director of Bellway Essex, said: “Renovo has been an extremely successful development, with a consistently strong sales rate ever since it launched. Build progress has been excellent since we got back on-site following lockdown and this month we have handed over the keys to 10 new properties.

“As well as being popular with buyers, Renovo has also earned the acclaim of industry experts, with our site manager Stuart Taylor winning a prestigious Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National Housebuilding Council (NHBC) two years running.

“Location is a major factor in Renovo’s appeal. It is next door to the Lakeside Shopping Complex, which boasts a VUE cinema and an IKEA, ideal for buyers wanting to decorate their new homes, offers easy access to the A13 and M25 and is within walking distance of Chafford Hundred Lakeside railway station, from where trains reach London Fenchurch Street in just over half an hour.

“In addition to this, the mix of houses and apartments available means there’s something for everyone. Renovo has been very popular with first-time buyers, particularly in recent months as the experience of lockdown has prompted many young people living with parents to look for their own place. Single buyers have been snapping up the one-bedroom apartments while the two and three-bedroom properties are attracting young couples seeking to get on the property ladder.

“A major feature of our homes is the flexible living spaces, so these properties are also ideally suited to those who work from home.”