Work on the first new council housing development in Luton in over 20 years started yesterday (April 22).
Council Leader Hazel Simmons put the first spade in the ground at the development on the site of the former Abbotswood Centre on Abbotswood Road.
The building was demolished last year after standing derelict for more than 10 years and the new build will provide much needed homes for families.
Councillor Simmons said: “I was delighted to be there to celebrate the first Council house building development in Luton for more than two decades. These homes will allow local families in real need to come off the housing waiting list and move into quality affordable housing.”
The development includes four two-bedroom bungalows which will be arranged as two semi-detached units.
A council spokesperson said the homes will be “high quality and energy efficient” and will have full wheelchair access.
The builder is the Council’s own Building and Technical Services (BTS) division.
BTS is responsible for repairs and maintenance work in council properties and this will be their first new house build since their formation in 2007.
The homes are due to be completed this Autumn and the Council is hopeful the first tenants could move in as early as October.
Councillor Tom Shaw, portfolio holder for housing, said: “It’s no secret that we have a desperate shortage of housing so it is good to see Luton leading the way in terms of building new council houses. We are confident these won’t be the last. I am also very pleased that these quality, low cost maintenance and energy efficient homes are being built by our highly skilled BTS workforce.
“This has been a real team effort within the council, with officers in our housing strategy division teaming up with builders in BTS, architect designers in Fixed Assets, Building Control and of course our council housing team who will manage these properties once they are complete. A lot of hard work and determination has got us to this point and I am glad we took the opportunity to reflect on this.”