Work starts on flagship housing development in Didcot

An ambitious ten-year project that will see the creation of 3,330 new homes in Didcot made a significant step forward this week.

National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has started preparatory groundwork at the Great Western Park development located to the west of Didcot, ready for construction of the first phase of 220 new homes to begin in October.

The Great Western Park development will see a £60m investment into the area with plans including primary and secondary schools, shops, a community centre, health centre, open spaces and play areas. The investment will also include £20m for local highway improvements.

Jon Fletcher, managing director of Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire, said: “Great Western Park has undergone years of extensive planning and consultation and we are delighted that work has now started on this exciting project. The £60m investment will mean that we can establish a real community feel here that will benefit both existing and new residents.”

Ann Ducker, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council has been supportive of the Great Western Park development. She said: “Significant planning has gone into this development to ensure it fully meets the needs of the whole community. I am really looking forward to the completion of a quality development which will provide much needed housing and attract further investment and prosperity to the region.”

700 of the planned new homes will be within the boundaries of the Vale of White Horse District Council. Leader of the Council, Tony de Vere said: “Great Western Park is a fantastic example of neighbouring councils and developers working closely together to develop complex new schemes which meet the needs of the local area and offer huge benefits to the region.”

The first phase of two, three, four and five bedrooms homes is expected to go on sale in March 2011 with the first residents moving in by early Summer.

To register your interest in the new homes, log on to: taylorwimpey.co.uk