Work begins on 121 new affordable homes in Windsor

The major redevelopment at Sawyers Close in Dedworth – offering more than 400 affordable homes – has stepped up a level with the second phase beginning last week.

This second phase will offer a larger chunk than the first – more than 120 homes, twice as many as phase one. They are expected to be ready in less than three years’ time.

The Granges, formerly known as Sawyers Close, is the ‘largest ever regeneration project’ from Abri housing association.

Once complete, it will provide 413 affordable homes – including 199 social-rented.

Additional land was transferred to Abri from the council which increased the scale of the proposed site, allowing more homes to be built.

This also allowed construction to start before the need to demolish the current buildings. 

The scheme will see the demolition of the existing ‘worn-out’ four tower blocks of 192 flats. Work starts on demolishing the first tower block, Winwood, early in 2026. 

So far, the first 61 homes are already underway – the official start began in August this year.

Then on Thursday last week (November 13) partners broke ground on the second phase, which will deliver another 121 homes by 2028.

Overall, The Granges should be complete by 2032 – with almost all current residents expected to be moved into their new homes within the next three years.

This regeneration has been made possible by £176million of funding, including £34.4million from Homes England, the Government's housing and regeneration agency.

The redevelopment is called The Granges (with the agreement of the community) to give it a ‘fresh identity’ – though the postal address remains Sawyers Close for the time being.

Homes England and RBWM councillors joined Abri and its construction partner The Hill Group this week to officially open the next phase of work at The Granges.

Greg Hill, deputy chief executive at The Hill Group, said this ‘landmark’ regeneration will deliver modern, energy-efficient homes and ‘a vibrant new community for Windsor.’

Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing at Homes England, said this scheme was a ‘prime example’ of the effectiveness of collaboration between partners.

Councillors, including cabinet members and ward councillors for the area, feel this is ‘a transformative moment for Dedworth.’

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.”