BUILDING is set to start on one of the largest developments of affordable housing planned in Malvern during recent years.

Fortis Living has appointed Malvern-based building contractor Speller Metcalfe to begin work on 92 new homes at Pickersleigh Grove and the building is expected to start in the next few weeks..

The homes will be built on the site of 42 houses that were demolished in 2016, and on a field next to the site.

The multi-million pound development will be a mix of sixty two-, three-, and four-bed houses for shared ownership sale, plus a further eight two- and three-bed houses and 24 one-bedroom flats for affordable rent.

The development will also include a children’s play area, which will be made of wood from trees that have to be felled on the building site.

The development is the largest scheme that Fortis Living has yet created, and is set to provide much-needed affordable housing. It is also the biggest housing scheme yet for Speller Metcalfe’s living division.

Simon Vick of Fortis Living said: “As part of the contract award, Fortis Living expects Speller Metcalfe to work closely with local residents and the Grove Primary School to keep the inevitable disruption imposed by the work to a minimum.”

Rob Ackerman of Speller Metcalfe said: “We are delighted to be working with our long-standing client Fortis on this exciting new project.

"Both Fortis and Speller Metcalfe have been part of the Malvern community for many years and are looking forward to collaborating on this scheme which will enhance the local area and deliver a positive impact for existing and future residents of Pickersleigh Grove.”

Fortis Living has recently appointed Speller Metcalfe on a number of schemes in Worcestershire including 11 new homes in Warndon and a new head office on land close to their existing base in Worcester.