Oxford City Council has acquired 111 “affordable” homes from housebuilder, The Hill Group.
The homes are located at Oxford North’s Canalside development, south of the A10, and form part of the first 317 energy-efficient homes Hill is delivering at the development.
Of the 111 homes, 89 will be made available for social rent, while 22 will be offered on a shared ownership basis.
Hill secured detailed planning permission at Canalside in September 2022 and began work on the new homes in January 2023, with the first homes due to complete in the spring of 2024.
The council’s housing company OX Place are acting as development managers for the acquisition.
Councillor Linda Smith, the city council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Providing sustainable and affordable homes is one of our key priorities as a council. This agreement is a major boost, enabling us to provide 89 homes at genuinely affordable social rent and helping another 22 households to home ownership.”
Andy Hill OBE, Hill’s group chief executive, added: “Canalside at Oxford North represents a landmark residential development for the city, and we are delighted to agree on the delivery of the project’s affordable housing to Oxford City Council.
“This agreement ensures local people will have access to sustainable, well-designed homes on an affordable basis, built to the high standards for which The Hill Group is renowned.”
Homes at Canalside are said to have a strong emphasis on sustainability, going above and beyond the city council’s environmental targets thanks to a range of low-carbon features.
These include air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and living green roofs. The development also boasts water consumption reduction measures, electric car charging points, and ample cycle storage.
The homes designated for social rent will be open for bidding through the choice-based lettings scheme for individuals on the council’s housing register.
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