A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Barnstaple’s Taw Wharf, as the final affordable homes have been completed and handed over to community landlord, North Devon Homes.
Developer and contractor Pearce Construction has delivered the last 14 affordable homes at the landmark riverside development, bringing to a close more than a decade of planning and construction. The homes, made up of 12 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom houses, mark the final stage of the long-running regeneration project.
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 and sold over 100 homes, with the wider Taw Wharf regeneration supporting the creation of more than 500 jobs across the construction of new homes and in the retail and leisure businesses on site, helping to build 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.”
The scheme has been led by North Devon Homes (NDH) in partnership with Pearce Construction, alongside funding and support from Homes England and the local authority with further support from architects, Woodward Smith and advisors, Taylor Lewis. The completion showcases the transformation of the former 30-acre brownfield site at Anchorwood Bank into a thriving new community.
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.”
A key part of the project’s success has been the innovative approach to funding affordable housing. In response to dwindling government grants, North Devon Homes established Anchorwood Ltd in 2015, an ethical property development company. Profits generated from the sale of open market homes at Taw Wharf have been reinvested to help fund affordable housing.
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, the Taw Wharf development will deliver a total of 172 homes with the build of the remaining market sale homes nearing completion.
