Housing association Stonewater has completed its latest development, providing 132 new homes in Haslemere, Surrey.
The scheme was built by South-East construction firm, Thakeham, and the scheme is said to reflect both organisations’ commitment to biodiversity, energy efficiency and sense of community.
The homes at Sturt Farm range from two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, with 79 available for social rent, 44 provided as shared ownership and nine available for rent to buy. The development received funding from Homes England and the Recycled Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).
Jean Arrick, Mayor of Haslemere Town Council, said: “It is great to see the development at Sturt Farm completed. The provision of affordable housing, together with the creation of the neighbouring Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), which is maintained by Haslemere Town Council is a welcome addition to our town.”
An official opening of the development late last month was celebrated by representatives from Stonewater, Thakeham and the National Housing Federation (NHF), as well as the Mayor of Haslemere Town Council, the Mayor of Waverley Borough Council and other local authority representatives.
The 132 new homes all achieve an EPC rating of B or above and were constructed using modern methods of construction (MMC). There are electric vehicle charging points available across the site and PV solar panels have been installed on 118 of the properties.
Marie Riordan, director of development (South and Central) at Stonewater, said: “We’re really pleased to provide such a significant number of homes for customers across Surrey and to continue our development in the area.
“We understand the need for high-quality, sustainable housing in communities like Haslemere and recognise the benefits it brings for customers that established their lives in areas like this. We’re excited to have been able to provide homes where people can build a strong and connected community for generations to come.”
Stuart Fullwood, partnerships director at Thakeham, said: “We’re delighted to fully hand over Sturt Farm to Stonewater, a company which we have an extensive track record of working with and value very highly as a partner.
“Thakeham and Stonewater share a collective vision of providing much-needed housing for local communities and creating places that people can call home. This is the case for the residents of Sturt Farm and it’s fantastic to see the scheme already fully occupied, while the development’s additional features such as the children’s play area and circular walk make it an ideal location for local families looking to get on the housing ladder.”
As part of Stonewater’s commitment to creating communities that thrive, a piece of public art was commissioned for the scheme. Metalwork specialists, Stark and Greensmith, designed eight curved metal screens made from Corten Steel that depict images of local flora and fauna. The screens adorn the entrance to the site and were fabricated by a local company less than 30 miles away.
Alongside the public art on site, Sturt Farm also has a children’s play area, circular walk and open space for customers to enjoy.
Main image: Representatives from Stonewater, Thakeham, the NHF and local authorities open Sturt Farm
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