SWINDON Council’s leader welcomed in a spring of regeneration in the town centre by declaring a new £6.2m apartment block officially open yesterday.

The council and housing group GreenSquare celebrated the opening of Kimmerfield Court, near the Whalebridge Roundabout, a development of 45 flats exclusively for over 55s.

The £6.2m enterprise, which is part of the Kimmerfields development close to Fleming Way, was a partnership between Swindon Council and GreenSquare, with a £1m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency and support from economic development agency Forward Swindon.

Council leader David Renard joined GreenSquare’s chief executive Howard Toplis and Swindon mayor Nick Martin to present residents with a clock for Kimmerfield Court.

Coun Renard said: “I have been really impressed with the quality of the accommodation at Kimmerfield Court and I’m pleased that residents feel the same. “We have worked with GreenSquare on a number of excellent schemes over the last few years and this is no different.

“This site had been derelict for many years so it has been exciting to see Kimmerfield Court take shape together with the adjacent car park. “It is the first phase of a hugely important £350m regeneration scheme, which will transform this part of the town centre and bring economic prosperity to Swindon.”

Mr Toplis said: “Working with our partners, Swindon Council and the HCA, we are delighted to have been able to deliver these brilliant new apartments for rent.”

Greta Moulding, 81, who moved into her new flat in November, said: “It is absolutely beautiful here. “I have loved every minute of living here so far and everyone is so nice. When we moved in there was everything we needed.”

The homes, which are all now occupied, meet level four of the code for sustainable homes and photo-voltaic panels on the roof of the building provide energy for the communal lighting.

All flats have fully fitted kitchens and carpets and there are also walk-in showers.