By Richard Johnstone | 28 March 2014
Housing minister Kris Hopkins today awarded a £8.7m grant to support construction of 190 homes across six parts of the country under the government’s Build to Rent scheme.
The agreement with infrastructure investor Mill Group to construct 110 houses and 80 apartments for private rent in partnership with developer Bovis Homes marks the start of the second round of awards under the £1bn programme, first announced in the 2013 Budget. A further 36 projects have been shortlisted, which could deliver up to 6,500 homes, while construction has already started on some of the schemes awarded grants in last year’s first round. Approximately £300m was distributed following round 1 bids, with £700m now earmarked for the second round.
Hopkins said he wanted to ensure the millions of people who rent private sector homes had a choice of high-quality accommodation rented under reasonable terms.
‘So I’m pleased that this deal is complete to build 190 homes across 6 sites specifically for private rent,’ he said. ‘And with more sites being considered for a share of our £1bn Build to Rent fund, we’re well on track to have work underway on 10,000 homes for rent by 2015.’
The full list of homes to be built under today’s award is:
• Wickhurst Green, Horsham, West Sussex – 46 homes
• Charlton Hayes, Filton, Bristol – 43 homes
• Coopers Edge, Brockworth, Gloucestershire – 31 homes
• Oak Tree Place, Hedge End, Southampton – 30 homes
• Great Kneighton, Trumpington, Cambridge – 27 homes
• Aspen Park, Hemel Hempstead – 13 homes
