A significant milestone has been reached in the transformation of Barnstaple's Taw Wharf, with the completion and handover of the final affordable homes to community landlord, North Devon Homes.
Pearce Construction has successfully delivered the last 14 affordable homes at the landmark riverside development, bringing to a close more than a decade of planning, partnership and construction. The homes comprise 12 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom houses, representing the final phase of the long-running regeneration project.
A special day
Martyn Gimber, Chief Executive of North Devon Homes, said:
"Today is a special day as these 14 new homes are the final affordable homes at Taw Wharf as we complete this fantastic development and regeneration in the heart of Barnstaple. These homes are a great design, great quality and are just the start of many stories and new lives and opportunities for the new residents who will start moving in from next week.
The development has won several awards, sold over 100 homes, created many jobs and built a thriving community for generations to come. When I look around at what has been achieved over the last 11 years, I am proud to say that we have worked together to create communities where people want to live."
An award-winning regeneration scheme
The award-winning scheme has been led by North Devon Homes in partnership with Pearce Construction, with funding and support from Homes England and the local authority, alongside architects Woodward Smith and advisors Taylor Lewis.
The completion of these homes marks another important chapter in the regeneration of the former 30-acre brownfield site at Anchorwood Bank, which has been transformed into a thriving new community.
A shared commitment to creating high-quality places to live
Paul Knox, Managing Director of Pearce Construction, added:
"Throughout the regeneration project, both Pearce and NDH have worked in close partnership to deliver this vision, with a shared commitment to creating high-quality places to live. In development nothing is easy and it's a very proud moment to see these homes being handed over.
"NDH now has the privilege of welcoming new residents to these affordable homes. They will be joining a close-knit community that takes pride in Taw Wharf, a place we have all worked hard to build together."
An innovative approach to funding affordable housing
A key element of the project's success has been its innovative approach to funding affordable housing.
In response to declining government grant availability, North Devon Homes established Anchorwood Ltd in 2015, an ethical property development company. Profits generated through the sale of open market homes at Taw Wharf have been reinvested to help fund affordable housing across the region.
Since its formation, Anchorwood Ltd has built and sold more than £20 million worth of homes and funded 37 affordable properties for local people, helping to address the ongoing demand for affordable housing across North Devon. Once fully complete, Taw Wharf will deliver a total of 172 homes, with the remaining market sale properties now nearing completion.
