The first bricks were laid for a house which will be just one of the properties built on the site of a former care home, marking a major milestone in the development.
The corner plot off Dwyer Road, Southcote, will be home to 30 new families on the council waiting list. A five-bedroom house, four semi-detached properties, ten three-bedroom townhouses and 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments are being constructed.
The space at the site is being maximised so more families can benefit from high-quality homes with affordable rents.
Work has been ongoing at the site since the summer, and most of the groundworks are now complete. Despite the site being hidden behind hoarding, the brick frames of the homes will start to become quickly apparent.
The development was recently recognised at the prestigious Inside Housing Awards, with Dwyer Road shortlisted for Best Affordable Housing Scheme. The homes are being constructed according to the Passivhaus design principles. This will result in low energy bills, generous green spaces, and create a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood.
The nomination highlights the Council’s dedication to delivering innovative, community-focused housing solutions.
Councillor Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing, said: “Thank you to everybody involved in this project. I was the vice chair on the planning committee during this development’s planning process and now have the privilege of watching the plans become a reality as the lead councillor for housing.
“I am delighted that work on this site is well underway, and this will provide much-needed affordable homes in Reading.
“This is another great example of utilising council land to the benefit of as many families as possible – especially including four- and five-bedroom homes which are particularly needed.
“I am so pleased we got to mark this occasion by laying the first bricks of one of the semi-detached homes; a little piece of us will be in this plot.”
Ben Ramsay, Operational Director for Francis Construction, our construction partners, said: “Francis is really engaged in providing affordable housing for communities and is delighted to be working with Reading Borough Council to be part of the story on this site.”
The homes will be ready to welcome new residents in 2027.
