WORK on a major housing scheme in Southampton is now under way.

Civic chiefs have confirmed that work on Paulet Close (Plot 2) in Townhill Park has started.

It comes earlier this year city leaders said work at the site would start in 2020.

As reported, 665 homes are set to be built at Townhill Park as part of a multi-million pound regeneration project which could be completed by 2027.

Last year Townhill Park residents urged Southampton City Council to come up with a clear timescale for the scheme which was initially unveiled in 2012 and delayed due to the “complexity” of the site.

The authority has now confirmed that contractor Hughes and Salvidge have started preliminary works on Plot 2.

The site previously housed five blocks of residential flats but it will now see 200 new affordable homes with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for homes, said: “I promised we would start works on this site by the end of this year, and we have delivered on this promise. The start of works on Paulet Close is an exciting milestone for our Townhill Park regeneration project. Despite the challenges that have come with this year’s pandemic, I am pleased that we have delivered on our promise to begin works on this important site that will deliver homes that local people need. The community are at the heart of this programme and I look forward to our continued work with local residents so that we can create a neighbourhood to be proud of together.

The authority said that following feedback from the local community on the decommissioning timetable, there are a few changes which are now the subject of a consultation set to close on December 31.

Kim Ayling, chair of residents group SO18 Big Local, said: “It is great to see the start of works on Plot 2. I look forward to welcoming families to our community that will one day be moving into the new homes being delivered here. Residents are welcoming the opportunity to take part in the focus groups involved with the various projects within Townhill Park which include the new green space in the heart of our community.”

As reported, local residents and civic chiefs have been working together on plans for a new green space off Meggeson Avenue .

Cllr Dan Fitzhenry, leader of the opposition, said: "We welcome these new homes for the city and for the residents of Townhill Park albeit they are years late. I hope now the council will get on and build these homes."