THE first stage of a major housing project has been completed and will be officially launched later this week.

Crest Nicholson has built the first batch of homes at the Tadpole Garden Village site, formerly known as Tadpole Farm, and some are now on sale.

Some residents have been given the chance to have a look around the houses already but their formal opening will be on Thursday.

Tadpole Garden Village is one of Swindon’s major housing projects and will eventually see 1,700 homes built in the north of the town.

Crest is one of the leading developers on the project, which is being called Tadpole Gardens, although others are involved.

A portion of the houses will be built by David Wilson Homes, who hope to havetheir first properties on sale by early next year.

To help give the development a community feel, a number of community assets are also being included in the project, including a cricket pitch, a community centre and private allotments.

A new pub is also included as part of the plans, which could open as early as next year. Tim Ridges, Senior Sales Manager at Crest Nicholson, said: “We are very pleased to confirm that we will officially launch Tadpole Garden Village this Thursday.

“When completed, this exciting and innovative development will become a distinct community of nearly 1,700 homes set within 179 hectares of tranquil countryside, offering spectacular views of where the Wiltshire Downs meet the Cotswolds. “Our first phase of build, Tadpole Gate, will consist of 97 new homes and it’s here that we’ve just opened our first show home for the public. Interest has already been incredibly high, with over 200 people through the show home on opening.”

Work is also well underway on the new school building, which should be ready to house Tadpole Farm School, currently based in Redhouse, next September.

The houses built so far are two, three and four bedroom properties and each have gardens front and back.

Crest was responsible for building much of nearby Redhouse, which was also promised a pub as part of the village centre. However, this has never materialised and has been a source of frustration for residents and councillors alike.

Local politicians have welcomed the plans put forward for Tadpole Farm but say it is vital all the services promised are delivered.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “We absolutely welcome the high quality plans that include increased open space provision, car parking spaces and front and back gardens.

“But in terms of the physical facilities such as the pub and the cricket pavilion we will be pressing very hard for them as soon as possible.”