A MAJOR step forward has taken place at a new housing development on a former hospital site.

David Wilson Homes has opened the doors to a showhome at the Gillies Meadow development, a joint venture with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Kevin Bourner and Mark Glendenning from the HCA attended the event and were given a tour of the development by David Wilson Homes Southern managing director Paul Crispin.

Also in attendance on the day were Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councillor Simon Bound, Rooksdown parish councillors Paul Lovett, Chris Hendon, Jon Payne and Paul Mahoney, as well as directors from David Wilson Homes.

Mr Bourner said: “It is fantastic to launch the first homes on this phase of the former Park Prewett hospital site. This is going to be a great place to live.”

Located on Park Prewett Road, the homes have achieved a Built for Life Outstanding Award, which is only given to a handful of sites in the country. The award recognises the development’s potential to flourish as a new community, and David Wilson Homes Southern were given full marks for Gillies Meadow in the accreditation system.

Mr Crispin said: “As a five star homebuilder we are delighted to provide quality new homes to Basingstoke and it was fantastic to mark the opening of our show home with members from the HCA and local councillors.

“The development is really beginning to take shape and the show home will give visitors the chance to see the quality of the homes for themselves.”