A major milestone has been reached in Guildford as housing provider Abri nears completion of 37 new affordable homes at the Gardeners Walk development in Westway, marking a significant step forward in delivering sustainable housing for the local community.
Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Howard Smith, joined Julie Galvin from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School to view the finished homes built by Abri’s inhouse construction team. The scheme, which represents a £17m investment into the area, delivers a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, 11 for affordable rent and 26 available through shared ownership. The homes have been made possible thanks to investment by Abri and grant funding from its Strategic Partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing and delivery agency.
Councillor Howard Smith from Guildford Borough Council commented:
“I was delighted to be shown these new homes and especially interested to learn about the environmental aspects of the scheme. I hope new residents will enjoy living here and make the most of everything Guildford has to offer. This development is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we invest in affordable housing. These homes are not only vital for local families, but they’re also built with sustainability in mind, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.
Built on a former brownfield site that previously housed a car repair centre, the homes sit between St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and nearby allotments. To enhance biodiversity and blend with the natural surroundings, selected garages feature green roofs covered with vegetation, creating habitats for local flora and fauna.
Julie Galvin, Premises Manager at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, said:
"The completion of these new homes marks a positive change for our neighbourhood. We’re proud to be part of a community that’s growing in such a thoughtful and sustainable way. The development will bring new families into the area, and we look forward to getting to know our new school neighbours better over the coming months. It’s encouraging to see investment in housing that supports both affordability and environmental responsibility."
The development comes at an important time for Guildford, where more than 2,000 households are currently on the waiting list for affordable housing, including over 1,200 households in need of one-bedroom homes.
John Kelly, Production Director at Abri, added:
“We’re proud to have delivered these homes and our £17m investment reflects our ambition to building high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet local needs. By incorporating air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, and high levels of insulation, we’re helping customers reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. Gardeners Walk is part of Abri’s wider commitment to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2030, ensuring affordable housing is built where it’s needed most.”
75% of the homes are now occupied at the development with the final 11 apartments due to be completed next month.