Swindon Borough Council has announced an agreement to build around 2,750 new homes in Wichelstowe.

In partnership with Barratt Developments, the estate will be built on 250 hectares of land to the south of Swindon, and will support around 1,000 jobs in its initial stages.

The restoration of the Wilts and Berks canal will be key to providing a strong heart to the development, and the scheme will aim to attract a wide range of buyers.

Councillor Toby Elliott, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, said: “This is a significant deal for the Council and for Swindon. The joint venture partnership will see us working closely over the long term with the UK’s biggest and most successful housebuilder.

“Our aim with Wichelstowe is to build a community that will be very attractive to live in, and with all the facilities nearby that people need and value.

“We have already made a start with the existing Waitrose and the construction of the new district centre and secondary school in the area known as Canalside, which means facilities will be there for new buyers from the start.”

Outline permission for the entire Wichelstowe development was granted in 2005, and around 800 homes have been built in the East Wichel area to date.

The first residents are expected to move into the newly announced properties during 2019.

Barratt, which sells properties under both the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands, was established nearly 60 years ago, and has since built more than 450,000 homes.

Chris Burton, the regional managing director for the Barratt Developments west region, said: “We are extremely pleased to be moving the Wichelstowe development forward.

“This is a very important scheme and I’m delighted to report that we share Swindon Borough Council’s vision in creating an outstanding place to live for the people of Swindon and further afield.”