Council’s affordable housing scheme scoops national award

Swindon Borough Council’s £34m 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 other five Swindon winners who made it through to the Grand Finals as the best in the region, included R & R Design and Build who won Best Residential and Small Commercial Builder; Darren Cawkwell of Hills Homes Developments Ltd, who was named Construction Specialist of the Year; and Michael Kord of Hills Home Ltd who won the award for Best Residential Site Manager.

Zurich’s new Grade A office block next to Fleming Way, Unity Place, which is owned by the Council, was also shortlisted for the title of Best Non-residential New Build while Kenneth and Edwards Ltd also made it through having won the regional award for Best Partnership with a Local Authority Building Control Team for its work with the Council.

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.

“I must also praise the other Swindon grand finalists because they were all regional winners who did amazingly well, especially our own Building Control team here at the Council.”

Swindon Borough Council’s Building Control Team are happy to help with any enquiries residents may have with regards to building projects or home improvements. Please email: bcontrol@swindon.gov.uk or telephone: 01793 466050.