READING is set to see 16 new affordable homes as plans move ahead at a site in Elgar Road South.
Housing provider Abri has laid out plans to build on the site of the former Reading driving test centre which would see a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments constructed at the site.
The homes are expected to be completed by spring 2027.
All homes will be available for affordable rent, typically around 20% below private market rates, and Abri will use its own funding alongside grant funding from its Strategic Partnership with Homes England–the government’s housing and delivery agency–to make all the homes affordable.
Currently, more than 2,500 households are on the waiting list for affordable housing with Reading Borough Council. Alongside the affordable housing, Abri will contribute £12,500 towards enhancing facilities at Waterloo Meadows Park, located directly behind the new homes.
An additional £3,000 will support an employment skills and training plan, aimed at improving local residents’ access to job opportunities and training across the borough.
The homes will be built to Future Homes Standard, which uses low-carbon heating and energy-efficient features, to reduce emissions by 75-80% compared to homes built using previous traditional standards.
These sustainability measures will seek not only to reduce the environmental impact of the new homes but also help residents save on energy bills.
Andrew Ball, Senior Land Manager at Abri, said: “We recognise the importance of delivering new homes to meet the demand for affordable housing and this development will create high-quality, affordable homes for local people.
“At Abri, we’re committed to building 10,000 homes by 2030, and this project in Elgar Road South represents another important step toward that goal.
“e’re especially proud to be building to the Future Homes Standard, which will help customers live more sustainably while reducing their energy bills.
“This is an important development for the community, the environment, and for people who are seeking a stable place to call home.”
