Building work got underway on 48 new affordable homes in Swindon that will help the local economy and boost the trades.

Provided by Jephson Homes Housing Association, which has a local office in Swindon, the £6.2 million development in Highworth Road is supported by Swindon Borough Council and backed with a £330,000 investment by the Homes and Communities Agency.

Due for completion in summer 2015, the scheme will have a mix of homes from one to four bedrooms, which will all be let and sold to local people in housing need. The brownfield site was formerly a Council works depot, which laid unused for several years.

Built by independent, Bristol-based contractors mi-space, the project will also include a natural play area for children as part of the planning agreement.

Jephson’s regional director for the south and west, Roger Glennie, said: “It’s good to get this scheme underway after getting planning permission on appeal. We’re creating some really attractive, modern homes for local people.”

Tracey Hancock, area manager from the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “We support the building of many thousands of homes across England, so we know how important new properties like these are to local people. It’s great that work has started on the scheme and I look forward to seeing the homes complete and lived in soon.”

Lex Cumber, business development director at mi-space, said:“We’re really enjoying working with Jephson on this scheme. They allowed the time for us to design the homes to exactly match the site.

“For example, we’ve been able to build in extra sound insulation. We try to create as much social value as we can from our projects, so we’re mainly using local firms from within the SN postcode area for materials and supplies.”