Aqua Construction successfully won the competitive tender to build 28 affordable homes for the Rooftop Housing Group housing association at Crown Close, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham. The contract is valued at £5.3m.

This exciting redevelopment followed the successful completion of nearby Pember Close, on Bishop’s Drive and represents Aqua’s second project for Rooftop Housing.

This latest development comprises 28 properties (10 apartments and 18 houses) in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for social rent and shared ownership.

The works started late in 2023 with the demolition of 20 existing maisonettes and garages and the first foundations were poured in January 2024.

With sustainability in mind, the roof tiles, concrete, brick and blockwork arising from the demolition works were crushed, recycled and re-used to form temporary road surfaces and hard standings around the site.

Crown Close features a contemporary design, in keeping with the nearby Pember Close development. The scheme blends a traditional build with a modern design, featuring facing brickwork and saw-tooth pitched roofs to reflect the former character of the area, finished with standing seam metal roofs. The houses boast larger than usual living areas for modern living.

The sustainable, energy-efficient dwellings comply with current Part L Building Regulations. They will achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A rating, including ‘A’ rated gas condensing boilers, roof-mounted solar PV panels to reduce space and water heating costs, and electric vehicle charging points.

Retained trees will be combined with new specimen trees and shrubs to create appealing landscaping and a communal seating area. A sustainable permeable paving drainage system will be incorporated into the parking and public pathways for rainwater run-off.

Tewkesbury Borough Council and Homes England provided grant funding to support the scheme’s delivery.

Completion is set for spring 2025.