The demolition of a vacant office building in Stratford-upon-Avon has begun to make way for Fordham House, a brand new residential development bringing key worker accommodation to the heart of the town.
Work to remove the existing building, previously known as Warwick House, is expected to last for six weeks, with construction of the new 82 private rent high-quality apartments starting at the end of March. The new development is due for completion in Summer 2017.
Orbit purchased the site, on the corner of Birmingham Road and Clopton Road, from the Stratford Town Trust in early January 2016. The partners have worked together to develop the name Fordham House, which reflects the site’s history as the former location of Flowers Ales’ brewery, founded by Edward Fordham Flower in 1831.
The name was suggested by former Stratford mayor and Deputy Chairman of Stratford Town Trust, Joan McFarlane, who recognised the Flower family for their remarkable contribution to the evolution of Stratford-upon-Avon.
With its close proximity to the hospital and town centre, the apartments will be targeted at local key workers. Preference for the 64 one bedroom and 18 two bedroom apartments will be given to those such as health and emergency service workers and teachers, as well as local people. The new homes are to be let on assured short-hold tenancies.
The new accommodation will be owned and managed by Orbit, whilst Stratford Town Trust will continue to retain the freehold. A partnership between Stratford Town Trust, Orbit, ABD Developments and Robothams Architects will bring the scheme to market, with Deeley Construction having been appointed as the design and build contractors.
Adam Cooper, private rented sector director at Orbit, said: “We are delighted to be retaining the historical importance of the site by naming it after the Fordham Flower family. It has been a pleasure working with Joan to understand the contribution the family has made to Stratford.
“The start of demolition marks an exciting step in our partnership with Stratford Town Trust, ABD Developments and Deeley Construction to bring these much-needed new homes to Stratford.
Helen Munro, chief executive of Stratford Town Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see work really beginning on site – and to see such an important part of Stratford’s history recognised in the new name, thanks to our Trustee and Deputy Chairman Joan. This is all about Stratford – about providing high-quality but affordable town centre accommodation for those working hard in our hospitals, schools and businesses. We are proud to be involved.”
Martin Gallagher, managing director of Deeley Construction, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Orbit Homes having recently completed an independent living housing scheme in Leamington Spa and an affordable housing development of 30 homes in Nuneaton.
“By working closely with Orbit Homes and Architects Robothams, we believe Fordham House will greatly benefit the people of Stratford-upon-Avon.”
