Photography thanks to Speller Metcalfe.
Construction has officially begun on 24 new affordable homes on Swindon Road in Cheltenham. Cheltenham Borough Council and the council’s contractor Speller Metcalfe broke ground on site this week, following the contract’s award through Westworks’ Construction & Development Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
To mark the start of development, Westworks’ CEO, Ian Dorward, attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside representatives from Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Speller Metcalfe.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Environmental Responsibility
The new development is designed not just to provide much-needed homes, but to strengthen the local community and improve the long-term sustainability of the area. Community, nature and environmental responsibility have been central to the council’s vision from the beginning, and these priorities shaped the tender process that led to Speller Metcalfe’s successful appointment.
Now on site, CBC will work with Speller to bring plans to life by delivering high-quality homes designed with the future in mind. Solar panels and ground source heat pumps will be installed in the homes to help reduce running costs for residents, while low-carbon construction methods will be used to reduce the overall environmental impact of the scheme. The development also includes outdoor spaces, trees and planting areas, and dedicated features to support wildlife, such as hedgehog highways and bat, bee and bird boxes.
Connecting Ambition to Delivery Through Effective Procurement
While procurement may be one part of a much larger process, it is a crucial enabler — setting the foundations for quality, value and impact.
Speaking at the event, Ian reflected on how vital procurement is in enabling developments like this to move from concept to reality.
Seeing work starting on the site today reinforces why our work matters. Procurement isn’t just about ticking boxes; it enables contracting authorities to achieve objectives that genuinely improve communities and people’s lives.
Cheltenham Borough Council’s vision for a sustainable, community-focused development is exactly the kind of ambition our procurement solutions are designed to support.
– Ian Dorward, CEO of Westworks
Photography thanks to Speller Metcalfe.
L-R Ian Dorward, CEO of Westworks, Mark Eaton, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, Paul Minnis, Director – Major Developments & Regeneration at Cheltenham Borough Council.
Driving Social Value and Opportunities for Local People
The Cheltenham development is a strong example of how procurement can support local authorities to drive social value, sustainability and community outcomes. The project, which is due for completion in 2027, will deliver a mix of social rent and shared ownership homes to help meet local housing need. During the project, the council will work together with Speller Metcalfe to inspire future generations by involving local schools, apprentices and community groups in its delivery and provide them with insights into the construction industry.
At Westworks, we’re proud to play a role in enabling projects like this — and we look forward to seeing the Swindon Road site take shape over the coming months.
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