Press Release

28 October 2024

Construction commences at Portchester’s Assheton Court

The Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Pal Hayre, was joined by councillors from Fareham Borough Council and representatives from the Wayfarer Consortium, to officially break ground at the new Assheton Court site in Portchester.

Fareham Borough Council is a member of the Wayfarer Consortium, a collaboration of registered providers of affordable housing who advise on and submit Affordable Homes Programme bids to Homes England. As a result, the Council has been awarded £7,560,000 of grant funding to complete the construction of 60 one and two-bedroom apartments at Assheton Court - a new, purpose-built, affordable housing development for the over 55s. This Homes England funding will enable the Council to offer the homes at Social Rent.

Executive Member for Housing at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Fred Birkett said:

“I am excited to get the construction of this important development underway to provide the housing that older people need in the Borough. The funding from Homes England means we can offer these apartments at the most affordable social rent, and I cannot wait to see the finished homes.”

The former Assheton Court has already been demolished and building contractor, Feltham Construction Ltd, has now begun the significant construction project – due to complete in summer 2026.

Adam Jervis, Construction Director at Feltham Construction Ltd, added:

“We are pleased to be getting underway at the Assheton Court residential scheme to deliver these much-needed apartments for the over 55s. We are looking forward to working with Fareham Borough Council on this project and to delivering high-quality older persons’ housing for Portchester.”

A spokesperson from Homes England said:

“As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities. This investment through the Affordable Homes Programme does just that, enabling Fareham Borough Council to build 60 much needed new homes for older people that the people of Portchester can be proud of.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Delivery of a new sheltered housing scheme at Assheton Court is a key project set out in Priority One of the Council’s Corporate Strategy: Provide Housing Choices.

You can find the Corporate Strategy on the Council’s website: www.fareham.gov.uk under ‘About the Council’.