Hoarding marks key milestone as new homes take shape

Exciting plans to deliver 24 much needed new homes for social rent and shared ownership have reached a major milestone in Cheltenham.

The landmark development at 320 Swindon Road has taken a significant step forward following the unveiling of the new site hoarding. This marks a key move from early ground works to a stage where building works are more visible on site.

Drone footage of new hoarding for 320 Swindon Road

Local residents can observe progress on the development through the site’s thoughtfully designed hoarding and gates, which maintain visibility into the site while ensuring safety. Delivered by Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) in partnership with construction contractor Speller Metcalfe, the scheme will provide high quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes for local people.

The project is already making a positive impact in the community. Teams from both organisations have volunteered at Cheltenham Animal Shelter, supporting maintenance works, and have worked with Gardners Lane Primary School on a construction‑safety drawing competition. The children were invited to illustrate what site safety means to them, with winning entries celebrated at a school assembly and now displayed on the site hoarding.

Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC), said: “It’s great to see the hoarding in place to mark the next important stage of this development. It helps bring the project to life for local residents, who can follow its progress as these much-needed homes take shape.

“Working in partnership with Speller Metcalfe, we’re not only bringing more housing to the area but also supporting the local community, inspiring the next generation of young minds and creating long lasting benefits.

“This project is so much more than just bricks and mortar. It will provide high quality, energy efficient homes that are affordable for families to run, while helping to create a space local people can enjoy and be proud to call home.”

Shaun Pickin, contracts manager for the scheme at Speller Metcalfe said: “The installation of the site hoarding marks an important step forward in the delivery of these new homes, with residents able to visualise the new development alongside its construction progress.

“This project highlights how development can be a positive force for the area. We’re proud to be working in partnership with the council to support the community, inspire future talent and give something back through initiatives such as our work with the local animal shelter and school.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the homes progress and the positive difference this development will bring now and in the future.”

The new homes have been designed with sustainability in mind and will include solar panels, ground source heat pumps and low-carbon construction methods. These features will provide energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes for residents.

Community remains at the forefront of the plans, with outdoor green spaces designed to encourage biodiversity, including areas for trees and planting. Additional features to support wildlife, such as hedgehog highways and bat, bee and bird boxes, will also form part of the scheme.

The development, which is due to complete in 2027, has received funding support from Homes England and was procured through Westworks' procurement solutions.

For more information, watch our video about the new hoarding at 320 Swindon Road

Images for single use only and are credited to Speller Metcalfe – Top image: From L-R: Richard Davies (project manager at Speller Metcalfe), Jacob Eyre (assistant site manager at Speller Metcalfe), Councillor Rowena Hay (leader of the council), Amy Keates (construction project manager), Shaun Pickin (contracts manager at Speller Metcalfe). Image 2: Drone footage of 320 Swindon Road development

Hoarding marks key milestone as new homes take shape

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