WORK is set to start soon on the redevelopment of Sussex Square after a number a hiccups, Plans have been on the table for some time to convert the dilapidated area into energy-efficient affordable flats and retail space but there have been a number of problems which have held it up.

But following the awarding of a government grant, work will soon start on demolishing the first block of old flats.

The £765,000 means the council will be able to subsidise the flats and keep the rents at an affordable level, which is 80 per cent of the market rate.

As it stands, the plan is to build 38 Affordable Rent properties and ten to be sold as low cost homes.

It is estimated the cost of the overall regeneration will be in the region of £10 million, which has been driven up by the cost realigning much of the infrastructure underneath the square.

“As you drive into Swindon along Queens Drive one of the first things you see is Sussex Square,” said the cabinet member for housing, Emma Faramarzi (Con, Priory Vale), “it looks very run down and is in real need of improvement. Hopefully we are not too far away from being able to get started.”

Existing tenants in Sussex Square will be allowed to move into the new flats but it is likely to be at a higher rate of rent they are paying now.

But the flats will be built to make sure they are more energy efficient than the existing ones, meaning bills should be around seven per cent less than they are at the moment, which will offset the increase. It was hoped everything would have been in place by September but due to the delays, this date has been put back.

Although there are concerns the second phase will also be put back, council officers are confident they can start work on the commercial element of the project this year.

“The retail element will consist of one key convenience store, a pharmacy and a post office along with other traders,” said Mike Ash, Head of Housing at the council.

“It was initially hoped that could start in September this year and we are still hopeful of that.”