Homes England and councillors from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) Council joined Abri and construction partner The Hill Group recently to officially open the next phase of work at The Granges redevelopment in Dedworth, Windsor.
The Granges (formerly known as Sawyers Close) is Abri’s largest ever regeneration project. Once complete, it will provide 413 high quality and sustainable affordable homes for existing residents and the local community, all of which will be 100% affordable.
The regeneration has been made possible by £176 million of funding made available from Abri, including £34.4 million awarded from Homes England. RBWM planning approval for the development, along with additional land transferred to Abri from the council, increased the scale of the proposed site - both allowing more homes to be built and enabling construction to start before the need to demolish the current buildings.
The first 61 homes are already underway and last week saw partners breaking ground on the second phase of the redevelopment, which will deliver a further 121 homes by 2028.
Gary Orr, Abri’s Group Chief Executive said: “It’s fantastic to be here with our partners to officially open the next phase of The Granges and to walk round the redevelopment and see the great progress that has already been made. None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners, support which will deliver 413 much needed brand new homes for existing residents and the local community.
“Whether it's new builds, redevelopment or regeneration, Abri is committed to providing safe, affordable, sustainable and healthy homes that support people's wellbeing, independence and aspirations. As our largest regeneration to date, The Granges aims to do just that."
The Granges redevelopment should be complete by 2032 with almost all current residents expected to be moved into their new homes within the next three years.
Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of high quality, affordable homes remain one of our key objectives. We are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“It’s great to see how The Granges development is progressing and the positive impact we are making with Abri. This project is a prime example of how working collaboratively with partners helps us to create thriving communities.”
The redevelopment will see the demolition of the existing worn-out buildings, comprising four tower blocks of 192 properties in total. Work starts on demolishing the first tower block, Winwood, early in 2026.
Councillors Adam Bermange (Cabinet Member for Planning, Governance & Asset Management) and Catherine del Campo (Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Housing Services), said: “We’re thrilled to see the next phase of The Granges redevelopment officially underway. This project represents a transformative moment for Dedworth, delivering high-quality affordable, sustainable homes, including 199 social-rented, that will benefit both current residents and future generations.”
To mark this new era of regeneration, and with the overwhelming support of the residents, the redevelopment is called The Granges, giving it a fresh ‘identity’ to replace Sawyers Close. The Granges was chosen following consultation with the local community over name suggestions. (To note the postal address remains Sawyers Close for the foreseeable future).
Greg Hill, Deputy Chief Executive at The Hill Group, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Abri and RBWM on this landmark regeneration, which will deliver modern, energy-efficient homes and a vibrant new community for Windsor. The Granges reflects what can be achieved through true collaboration, and we look forward to creating a sustainable, high-quality neighbourhood that people can be proud to call home.”
This second phase of the redevelopment follows the official start on site in August of this year when Clewer and Dedworth East Ward Councillors Alison Carpenter and Helen Price visited the site to see the first foundations being laid.