Developer appointed for £22m affordable homes project

Rugby Borough Council has chosen Willmott Dixon to oversee a £22m initiative aimed at constructing 100 new affordable homes.

Situated on Clifton Road in Rugby, the Biart Place project includes 60 one and two-bedroom apartments, 20 two, three, and four-bedroom houses, as well as 20 maisonettes.

The homes will be equipped with renewable energy sources such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, along with electric vehicle charging points.

This project has received financial support from various grants, with Willmott Dixon’s development team actively assisting the council in securing a £6.8m grant from Homes England through its Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26.

Additionally, the project has obtained an extra £2m from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership via the government’s Getting Building Fund.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “These affordable homes will provide much-needed provision in the area, while also delivering sustainable homes which are low carbon and energy efficient. The development is just part of the regeneration efforts taking place in Rugby and will deliver high-quality modern homes, helping to make the area a more attractive place for locals to stay and for others to consider relocating to.”

Cllr Tim Willis, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, homes, digital and communications, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Willmott Dixon to deliver our ambitious plans to develop Biart Place and build 100 new, social rent homes for Rugby.

“With support from Homes England and the Government’s Getting Building Fund, we have prioritised building modern, energy efficient homes for our tenants while ensuring the design of the development both complements the site’s Victorian surroundings and lays the foundations for a new, thriving community at Biart Place.”