Story posted: 22/08/2024
Sempra Homes has secured £2.5 million in Government Brownfield Infrastructure Land (BIL) funding to transform an empty car park site in Basildon town centre and create 105 new homes.
The funding has been secured as part of a strategic partnership involving Sempra Homes, Basildon Council, South Essex Councils and Homes England.
Alongside the delivery of the new homes, the development will improve local infrastructure, open space, and biodiversity while increasing the footfall to boost the revitalisation of the town centre.
The development, located off Laindon Link and known as Chapelgate, will consist of 35 houses and 70 apartments. It will offer a mixture of housing options including social rent, shared ownership and private sale.
Melanie Keys, Service Manager at Sempra Homes says, “This funding is the result of an unwavering commitment by all partners to bring forward this development, which will help address the acute need for housing locally, and act as a catalyst for economic growth in the town centre, increasing footfall, creating inclusive, thriving, communities for generations to come.
“I would like to thank all partners involved including the Infrastructure Funding team at Homes England, and our construction partners The Hill Group, for their hard work and determination to overcome site constraints and economic hurdles to assist Sempra and Basildon Council to ensure project viability and advancement of this development. We look forward to completing the construction of these new homes in 2026.”
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, said: “New, high-quality housing is a top priority for this administration. Through Sempra Homes, Basildon Council is unlocking its housebuilding programme – beginning works on 179 affordable homes across five sites this year. These will be Basildon homes for Basildon residents.
“As important, will be tackling Basildon’s housing waiting list which currently stands at 4,000. There is an urgent need to increase the supply of social and affordable homes in the Borough to reduce that figure drastically and make Basildon’s contribution to the new Government’s target of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.”
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, our mission is to support the creation of new homes and thriving communities.
“Providing funding for infrastructure is one of the ways we can help, to remove barriers and unlock land so housebuilders can get on and build. Chapelgate will not only bring a disused brownfield site back to life, it will address local housing needs in Basildon and go on to provide a place for people to call home.”
In addition to delivering new homes, Sempra Homes is committed to delivering social value, with over £28million of inward investment and numerous opportunities for local residents and businesses, including employment, training, apprenticeship placements and the use of local suppliers
Sempra Homes is also making financial contributions for the Chapelgate development exceeding £400,000 towards local infrastructure. This funding will support NHS healthcare provision, early years and childcare services, primary and secondary schools, open spaces, culture, play and sports facilities, highways and pedestrian access, and sustainable transport. These contributions underscore Sempra’s commitment to not only building homes but also enhance the wider community.
For further information about Sempra Homes please visit: www.semprahomes.co.uk
