A CONTRACTOR has been appointed for the next phase of a major housing scheme in Southampton.

Southampton City Council has announced the appointment of Drew Smith Ltd to progress design working and secure a detailed planning consent for a scheme of around 200 new affordable homes off Paulet Close in Townhill Park.

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.

In 2019, 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 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.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Culture and Homes, said: “It’s great to be working with Drew Smith, who have a good track record of working with the Council to deliver homes that local people need.

"This appointment is an important milestone in the regeneration of Townhill Park and forms part of the council’s pledge to deliver 1,000 council homes by 2025.

"I look forward to working with the local community and Drew Smith on the designs for these new homes.”

Kim Ayling, Chair of SO18 Big Local, added: "As a local resident of Townhill Park, it is great to see the estate regeneration continue to move forward with the appointment of the contractor for the next phase of homes.

“In my role as Chair of SO18 Big Local, we as a group are thrilled to be working so closely with the Council on the regeneration of Townhill Park. It is fantastic to see the community at the heart of this landmark project.”