WORK has begun to transform former garages into new affordable homes near Basingstoke town centre.

Sovereign Housing Association has teamed up with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) to combine their land to be able to build 12 new homes at the site in May Street, Brookvale.

The borough council had agreed to transfer their land surrounding the garages at the corner of Lower Brook Street and May Street to the housing association back in June to enable the development to go forward.

Representatives of the two parties visited the site as demolition of the existing buildings has begun, which also allowed them a chance to meet development contractor, EG Carter & Co Ltd, and see the transformation get underway.

Luke Bingham, divisional director at Sovereign said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on this exciting development in the centre of the town. Only by working together has this development been possible. I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation take place and welcoming residents into their new homes next year.”

Once completed the site will consist of eight two-bedroom homes and four one-bedroom flats, which will provide affordable homes for the borough’s residents, with four of the homes offering a first step on the property ladder for sale through shared ownership.

BDBC deputy leader Councillor Terri Reid said: “I am delighted that by working together with Sovereign we are able to provide more affordable homes in the town centre, including homes to help people get the first step on the property ladder.”

The development received planning permission in March 2017, with the transfer of the council’s land having taken place on Wednesday, 28 June.

The 12 new homes are expected to be completed by summer 2018.

Sovereign housing provides more than 55,000 homes for around 130,000 people in housing need across the south.