Stratford housing project offers blueprint for key worker schemes

A WARWICKSHIRE housing development could be the blueprint for future ‘key-worker’ schemes, the town’s MP has said.

Stratford-upon-Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi said the Fordham House development offered hope to workers from essential service sectors who needed housing close to their employment.

Fordham House is a new scheme by Orbit, in partnership with Deeley Construction, ABD Developments and the Stratford Town Trust.

It is being built on the site of a former office building on the corner of Birmingham Road and Clopton Road, with close proximity to the hospital and town centre.

The idea is for the 82 apartments to be offered to local key workers, such as health and emergency service workers and teachers, as well as local people.

There is already strong interest in the development.

Mr Zahawi said: “I believe this is the blueprint for development when it comes to creating homes for those keyworkers who can’t, ordinarily, get themselves onto the housing ladder.

“A great deal of foresight has been shown by the partners who are bringing forward Fordham House and I wish them every success.

“Stratford is not alone in needing to provide more homes and this type of scheme is exactly what we need and I can see this type of development being rolled out across the country.”

Peter Deeley, of both Deeley Construction and ABD Developments, said work was progressing well.

He said: “Everything is progressing on programme and we do feel that this partnership style of working benefits everyone involved and will deliver a crucial scheme for the town.”

Paul High, Orbit’s executive director of property investment, said: “With it being so close to the hospital, schools, and the centre of town, Fordham House is in a prime location for local people working in Stratford-upon-Avon.”