Development updates

New affordable housing delivered in Cheltenham thanks to home partnership

- 18 Jul 19

A new selection of homes has officially opened in Cheltenham providing much-needed affordable rent and shared ownership housing for the town.

The opening took place on Broad Acre Road, on Bovis Homes’ Furlong Rise development, which is being built on the former Starvehall Farm site, close to the famous racecourse.

Bovis Homes has worked with social housing provider Cottsway Housing to provide 40 brand-new one to four-bedroom homes – 33 for rent and seven for shared ownership.

Richard Holland, partnership housing director at Bovis Homes, said the housebuilder was delighted with progress at Furlong Rise.

He said: “The Cottsway Housing and Bovis Homes partnership is an exciting one that is helping individuals and families move home to one of our most attractive locations – Furlong Rise in Cheltenham.

“As a housebuilder, Bovis Homes strives to look for opportunities to make housing more affordable for movers in Gloucestershire, and across the rest of the country, and our partnership with Cottsway Housing at Furlong Rise reflects that.”

Flowers were presented to one of the new residents, Anne Magee, who has moved into a one-bedroom apartment on Board Acre Road.

Anne has lived and worked in the Cheltenham area for more than 20 years. She previously lived with her sister and a friend before moving into her Cottsway home.

She said: “I couldn’t afford to rent privately by myself, it’s very difficult when you only have one income and the costs are so high. I was so happy to be given this opportunity, the flat is perfect for me. We’re lucky to have good views here, it’s in a great location and the neighbours are really good – I’m just really pleased!”

Cottsway’s chief executive Vivian Rosser and Board chair Andrew Hall opened the event and welcomed new residents.

Vivian said: “It is clear that affordable homes are desperately needed and this is why it’s so important that we’re building new homes like these.”