First Residents Move Into Affordable Homes At Slough Scheme

Sovereign Housing Association has welcomed residents to its first phase of affordable homes at Horlicks Quarter, part of Slough’s first new major residential town centre scheme.

The homes are part of Sovereign’s commitment to deliver much needed affordable housing in the area, and will, when completed, offer 102 rented properties and 50 Shared Ownership homes.

Commenting on the handover, Mark Washer, CEO at Sovereign said: “We are delighted to see the first handover of new homes at the Horlicks Quarter. With demand for good-quality, affordable social housing on the rise, I’m pleased to see our development strategy going some way to address the needs of local communities. Our work at the Horlicks Quarter shows just how much can be achieved when housing providers step forward and play a positive role in the regeneration of our towns and high streets.”

Slough Borough Council is enabling an ambitious regeneration programme with plans being approved for Slough Central – the High Street and shopping centres – and proposals for new leisure and retail outlets as well as new homes.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the Council, said: “We are pleased that Horlicks Quarter will include 25% affordable housing as well as apartments for private market sale. Sovereign Housing Association will be managing the units for social rent and Shared Ownership, and I am delighted to see the first social and affordable homes now finished, with residents being able to move in.

“Horlicks Quarter is emerging as a genuine mixed community providing new homes and quality open space in a new neighbourhood. It’s great to see the apartments, houses and new park being built out and to welcome the first tenants into their new homes in the blocks managed by Sovereign.”

Horlicks Quarter, which features the iconic Horlicks Factory, is being transformed by Berkeley into a unique and innovative mixed-use development and will provide up to 1,300 private and affordable new homes. These will be enhanced by the creation of new high-quality public open spaces and gardens, with a central square at Clocktower Place for community activities, to include a nursery and a proposed café for everyone in the local area to enjoy.

Aquifer Gardens, set at the heart of Horlicks Quarter is now complete, providing a large, landscaped open space which can be accessed and enjoyed by both residents and the public alike. These beautiful communal gardens incorporate a central lawn area enhanced by plants, shrubs and trees, as well as calming water features, creating areas for relaxation.

Ben Annett, sales & marketing director, Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chilterns), commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sovereign and Slough Borough Council to deliver the first 152 affordable homes at Horlicks Quarter. Sovereign’s new residents will join our first occupants in Darjeeling & Artesian House, creating the start of a wonderful new community – with Aquifer Gardens now open to create a central hub within the development for everyone to enjoy.”

Sovereign, which is committed to creating great places to live, has partnered with the Slough Hub, a social enterprise which will work with those living at Horlicks Quarter to create an active community. Residents will be supported to form community groups, creating strong bonds and connecting residents into the wider community of Slough.

Vineet Vijh, founder, said: “The Slough Hub is delighted to be the Community Development partner for the Horlicks Quarter; we look forward to meeting the new residents and helping them settle in and make the most of what Slough offers. We will aim to create a happy and friendly neighbourhood with many activities and opportunities to meet people and get involved in worthwhile causes.”

Sovereign’s next phase of rented homes at Horlicks Quarter will be available from mid-November. Prices for available two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments at Horlicks Quarter start at £117,000 for a 30% share (full market price £390,000). Find out more at www.sovereignliving.org.uk.

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