Construction officially began at West Acre Park yesterday (Thursday) after a second Judicial Review claim seeking to block the development was refused by the High Court.
Marking the major milestone as one of the Isle of Wight’s most significant new housing developments, Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson visited the site alongside representatives from Captiva Homes.
MP Joe Robertson visit represented the recognition of the role the development will play in helping to address the Island’s housing shortage while delivering substantial economic benefits for the local community.
West Acre Park will deliver a mix of 473 homes, both private and affordable, alongside a 25-acre country park, extensive networks of cycleways and footpaths and a café. The development also includes provision for a new medical centre, subject to commissioning decisions by the NHS, and will see planting of more than 2,000 trees and 1,800 metres of hedgerow.
CEO of Captiva Homes, Iain Delaney said:
“The start of construction at West Acre Park is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved. As well as delivering desperately needed homes, developments of this scale generate significant investment in the Island economy and create lasting benefits for the local community.
“Additionally, Sovereign Network Group stands ready to partner on the site with an investment of more than £40 million to deliver 135 social rent and 58 shared ownership homes.
“This helps us provide a range of housing options which, combined with a diverse mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, will help hundreds of Island families into homes of their own.”
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During his visit, Joe Robertson MP highlighted the contribution Captiva Homes is making towards meeting local housing needs and increasing the supply of affordable housing on the Island.
Speaking, Joe Robertson said:
“Captiva looks set to become the biggest provider on the Island, delivering around 70 per cent of affordable housing supply next year.
“By 2029, they will have delivered the largest ever affordable housing project in East Wight, including provision for a new medical centre should the Integrated Care Board decide to commission it.
“It has already helped reduce the council’s backlog of people accommodated in inappropriately oversized homes, freeing up accommodation for families in need.
“There is much more to be done, but this is the most significant local solution that is beginning to deliver.”
West Acre Park forms part of Captiva Homes’ wider commitment to delivering homes for Islanders with the development providing a range of housing opportunities, including affordable homes, while creating new publicly accessible green spaces, supporting local employment and contributing towards the Island’s long-term housing needs.
With work now under way, West Acre Park is set to become a major new neighbourhood for Ryde, delivering homes, jobs and community benefits for generations to come.
