THE first phase of a major scheme aimed at transforming a Southampton neighbourhood has been completed.

Six three-bedroom houses and a block of 50 flats containing a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom homes have been built in Townhill Park.

It is part of a major project which will see 665 homes being built at the site over the next eight years.

Work to replace the dilapidated estate have been in the pipeline for several years.

But some residents in  a block on Meggeson Avenue were holding up the development by refusing to move out.

Southampton City Council (SCC) which is responsible for the project, said all the completed 56 homes are now available at affordable rent.

Plans for the new-look estate also include improved pedestrian and cycling paths, traffic calming on Meggeson Avenue, a new community space featuring outdoor meeting space and play facilities and a new convenience store. 

A new cafe could also be opened at the site.

Cllr  Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for homes and culture at SCC, said: “The regeneration of Townhill Park is underway and is a great example of how the council is going the extra mile to deliver sustainable homes, with high-tech energy-efficiency measures in every property. I hope residents will be very happy living here and I’m looking forward to welcoming more new residents as the Townhill Park redevelopment moves forward.” 

The authority said the new properties will benefit from a number of energy-efficiency measures including  solar panels and energy-efficient heating systems.

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and environment at SCC, said: “This project highlights the council’s commitment to prioritising the green agenda and helping to make Southampton a cleaner, greener and healthier city for all.

“We’re delighted to have delivered this impressive development, which not only provides quality accommodation for our residents, but also has strong environmental credentials.”

The news comes after the council launched a green city charter in June, in a bid to improve air quality.