MP Peter Swallow recently visited Barn Close and Bay House in Bracknell to see first-hand the progress being made on new affordable homes being delivered by Abri. The visit highlighted the significant social value these developments are bringing to the local community, providing much-needed homes for local people and supporting wider regeneration in the area.
Abri has identified a pipeline of up to 470 affordable homes across Bracknell and neighbouring communities, aimed at meeting local housing need and creating opportunities for families and individuals. This includes the potential for 223 homes for social rent, 168 homes for affordable rent and 79 shared ownership homes, representing an investment of more than £139m in the area.
Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell said:
“There is a real and urgent need for more affordable homes in Bracknell Forest. I am grateful to everyone involved for their commitment to delivering these new homes for our community. Developments providing affordable homes like this are vital in addressing the housing crisis and ensuring that local families have access to safe, high-quality, and affordable places to live. With Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes and the long-term stability and funding certainty the Comprehensive Spending Review brings, housing associations like Abri will be better placed to plan ahead and deliver the affordable homes our communities need. Thank you to everyone involved for making a real difference in people’s lives.”
At Barn Close, construction is well underway on 24 apartments and a chalet bungalow, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes. These new properties are designed to meet the needs of local families and are expected to be ready for occupation from January 2027. At nearby Bay House, demolition of the existing buildings is currently in progress. Once complete this autumn, Abri will begin construction of 32 one- and two-bedroom flats, with completion expected by February 2028.
Abri’s in-house construction team is delivering both sites, with funding support from Homes England, the government’s housing and delivery agency, alongside contributions from Bracknell Forest Council.
Dasos Christou, Regional Managing Director (South East) at Abri said:
“At Abri, we’re committed to tackling the urgent need for affordable housing in Bracknell and beyond. Regenerating sites like Barn Close and Bay House are a key part of our mission to provide high-quality homes for local people. With our commitment to build over 10,000 homes by 2030, we’re determined to keep making a positive difference for communities across the region. This work also supports the government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes, and we’re proud to play our part in helping more people access good quality, sustainable homes.”
In addition to the homes under construction, Abri has several developments in the pipeline to further support Bracknell’s housing needs. At Merryhill Road, 11 new homes are planned, including six two-bedroom houses and five three-bedroom houses, one of which will be built to full wheelchair-accessible standards. At Shepherds Lane, eight homes are proposed, comprising four two-bedroom houses, three three-bedroom houses, and a fully wheelchair-accessible two-bedroom bungalow. Abri is also progressing proposals for the regeneration of its Hambleden and Hurley site, which would deliver 106 new homes as part of a wider redevelopment plan.