Mears New Homes has been appointed by Watford Community Housing Trust to undertake the design and construction of 16 apartments with associated communal areas, amenity space, parking, infrastructure and services at Park Avenue in Bushey.
Our Land and Development Team identified the site through our land agency network and undertook a detailed financial appraisal and cost estimate, before bidding on the site on behalf of Watford Community Housing Trust.
The site, which was formerly occupied by two redundant bungalows, is situated on a prominent corner position on the southern corner of Park Avenue and Bushey Mill Lane; and benefited from a detailed planning consent for 16 apartments for market sale. Affordable housing was deemed not viable on the site and therefore, no allocation was granted within the associated Section 106 Agreement in favour of financial contributions.
Watford Community Housing Trust has been able to revisit its financial model to promote a fully shared ownership tenure in lieu of the open market sales by securing Homes and Communities Agency grant. The local authority is naturally in support of this enhanced affordable housing provision.
Demolition of the two former homes will commence in August 2017 and our construction programme will commence in September 2017. The project is expected to be complete by Autumn 2018.