Garston to benefit from new affordable homes at Amwell Close

The latest development to be completed as part of Watford Community Housing and Watford Borough Council’s social rent programme, Amwell Close is now home to 8 two-bedroom flats for social rent.

Situated just moments from Garston Station, the mixture of ground and first floor flats each benefit from a parking space, with many also including a private rear or side garden. The construction of the homes was funded with a grant from Homes England and equal contribution from both Watford Community Housing and Watford Borough Council. It is the most recent development in a £15.2m programme of 56 new homes for social rent in Watford, specifically to address the growing need for affordable homes.

Commenting on the completion, Tina Barnard, Chief Executive at Watford Community Housing said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve finished another significant set of homes for social rent. In a housing market that is so oversubscribed, it’s important that we continue building homes that are available to those who have been hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis. Proactive partnerships such as the one that we enjoy with Watford Borough Council are one of the best ways to ensure the provision of housing for those who need it most.”

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor added: “By working in partnership, the council and Watford Community Housing are making better use of our land and delivering the modern and affordable homes our town needs. Our joint work, which includes the Social Rent Programme at Amwell Close, means we are enabling people to have decent homes to live in and creating strong communities, which is so important.”

“Demand for property in Watford continues to increase, which is making it tough for some of our local families who have struggled to keep up with rent or mortgage payments. One of our top priorities is ensuring we have quality, affordable homes like Amwell Close, as well as vital temporary accommodation, for local people on low and middle incomes. This makes sure there are opportunities for everyone in our town.”

Social rent is typically approximately half the cost of renting a similar property on the private market, and the Watford Social Rent Programme has been implemented by Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing to improve access to high-quality housing for all local residents.