Work to start on next phase of landmark Swindon development

Following Swindon Borough Council’s recent Cabinet decision to transfer the next phase of land, construction will soon begin on 616 new homes to expand the Canalside, Wichel Fields, Orchards Rise and Orchards View areas.  These will form part of the broader development at Wichelstowe, providing homes ranging from one bedroom apartments up to five bedroom detached properties. Of these, 80 homes will be offered to new residents as either shared ownership or affordable rent through an affordable housing provider.

Sustainability remains a key focus with homes built to the latest standards, including modern building techniques such as timber frame construction and energy generation features such as photovoltaic panels. Every home will also have an electric car charging point available as standard. The developed areas will continue to provide homes for Wichelstowe’s wildlife, with this phase seeing hundreds of swift bricks, bat boxes and hedgehog highways built into the homes and more than 500 street trees planted.

This phase will also include new infrastructure including new highways and extension of the canal as well as landscaped areas including new paths and play areas.

The Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council which will deliver 3,000 new homes along with new schools and community facilities. The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments. 

Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We're really pleased to announce the latest milestone at Wichelstowe which marks a significant step towards addressing Swindon's housing needs for the long term.

“We're looking forward to working in partnership with Barratt David Wilson Homes to deliver the next phase of development, promising not only more housing but also expansive public green spaces and dedicated areas for nature conservation and delivering on our missions to build a better and greener Swindon.

“This endeavour isn't just about construction; it's about nurturing a community and preserving our natural environment for generations to come.”

Russell Glimstead, Regional Managing Director (West Region), Barratt Developments PLC and Wichelstowe LLP Board Chair, added: “This is yet another milestone moment for Wichelstowe which has quickly become renowned for providing quality homes in sustainable neighbourhoods that enhance residents’ quality of life. We’re excited to bring our ambitious, exciting visions to life and look forward to commencing work at the site.”

As part of this neighbourhood residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal. There’s also a range of schools for children of all ages within easy reach.  Junction 16 of the M4 and Swindon train station are both within a ten-minute drive, providing easy access to Bristol and London.

Barratt David Wilson Homes South West will launch a new phase at Canalside in early 2025 and potential buyers can register their interest at www.dwh.co.uk in August while Barratt Homes Bristol will soon unveil a new phase at Wichel Fields. For more information visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.

More details about other new homes at Wichelstowe can be found at Orchards Rise or Orchards View.

Pictured (l to r) Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance with Russell Glimstead, Regional Managing Director (West Region), Barratt Developments PLC and Wichelstowe LLP Board Chair