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Swindon Council’s affordable housing scheme scoops national award
Swindon’s biggest affordable housing scheme has gained national recognition after winning the top award in the Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Awards grand final.
Swindon Borough Council’s £34 million scheme to build 149 homes on Queens Drive saw off strong competition from developments across the country to be named Best Large Social Housing Development after picking up the regional title last year.
The housing scheme was one of six winners from Swindon nominated by the council’s building control team, who themselves were nominated for team of the year.
The awards, which are highly regarded by the building industry, recognise outstanding projects and people, while also highlighting innovative solutions, effective working relationships and professional standards displayed by all parties involved in any particular building projects.
The Queens Drive regeneration project is almost complete and will see a total of 100 apartments and 49 houses built on the site of the former George Gay Gardens residential block and adjacent blocks of flats.
The buildings at Queens Drive have been carefully designed to reflect Swindon’s railway heritage with the gable ends based on the widths of the former engine sheds in the town’s railway works.
The homes have been built with solar panels and have triple glazing, while dozens of bird boxes have been installed and more trees planted to promote local wildlife.
As well as increasing the number of affordable homes in Swindon, the development will act as a gateway to the town, providing a more welcoming drive into the town centre.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are really proud of the Queens Drive scheme as it is delivering affordable homes for our residents and has transformed the local area, ensuring it is really in keeping with our mission to build a better Swindon.
“To receive this national recognition from LABC is fantastic news and comes just a few weeks before the final remaining properties are handed over to residents.”