Next phase of Gorse Ride regeneration begins

A landmark moment was reached this month as phase 2a of the Gorse Ride regeneration project completes and phase 2b officially gets underway. The transition between phases marks the next stage in the council’s long-term regeneration plans for the area.

This was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony, attended by representatives from Wokingham Borough Council, Wates Residential and the Gorse Ride community steering group.

The Gorse Ride regeneration is one of the council’s major housing projects and will see 249 new modern homes built in Finchampstead. The majority will be affordable to meet growing local demand.

Affordable and energy-efficient homes

The council is working with Wates Residential to replace the original 1970s homes with modern, energy-efficient properties. 74 per cent of the new homes will be affordable to help meet the needs of local residents.

All homes are built to EPC-B standard and include:

• Air-source heat pumps
• High levels of efficient insulation
• Well-sealed doors and windows
• LED lighting
• Insulated pipes
• Trickle ventilation and extractor fans

These features help make the homes cheaper to heat, helping tackle fuel poverty and reduce the Borough’s carbon footprint. As energy prices rise, maintaining a rating B becomes even more valuable for long-term savings.

Community-led progress

As part of this latest part of the Gorse Ride regeneration, 85% of the houses in phase 2a are occupied by residents moving from within the community, enabling families and neighbours to remain in their community as works progress.

From the outset, this has been a people-first regeneration, with community engagement shaping design and decision-making - from public consultation and local naming of new streets (such as Primrose Crescent and Daffodil Drive), to a phased build-out of new homes.

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council and executive member for housing, partnerships and the local plan, said: 

“This marks another key milestone in our long-term commitment to the Gorse Ride community. 

"We’re not just building homes – we’re creating a neighbourhood where people can thrive and remain connected. 

"It’s fantastic to see the next phase begin, and I’m proud that our approach has kept the community together throughout, with residents helping shape the design and even naming new streets.”

Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director for the South of England at Wates Residential, said:

“Together with Wokingham Borough Council, we’re creating modern, energy-efficient homes and a sense of community that will last long after construction ends. 

“What we’re achieving at Gorse Ride is only possible because of strong partnership and shared values. 

“Breaking ground on Phase 2B marks an exciting transition into the next stage of regeneration, bringing us closer to delivering even more homes for local families."

Steve Bowers, Chairman of the Gorse Ride community steering group, said: 

“As we start the next phase of the regeneration it shows how working together with the community and its partners results in this transformation, which is well on its way.”

Phased regeneration - overview

The regeneration is being delivered in stages over several years, transforming the area into a place local people can be proud of. The council is working closely with the community to ensure residents are relocated and new homes are delivered with as little disruption as possible.

Phase 1 - Arnett Avenue 

• Homes delivered: 46 (36 flats, ten houses)
• Status: Completed in summer 2021

Phase 2a - Primrose Crescent and Daffodil Drive

• Homes delivered: 96
• Location: Former Billing Avenue, Firs Close and Dart Close
• Start date: October 2025
• Progress:
  • 43 homes already handed over
  • Two houses and 51 apartments due to be handed over this month
• Completion: November 2025

Phase 2b - Orbit Close, Billing Avenue (part), Whittle Close (part)

• Homes planned: 90 (70 apartments, 14 houses, six bungalows)
• Start date: September 2025
• Estimated completion: February 2028

Phase 2c - Final Phase

• Homes planned: 63
• Start date: Early 2028