£3.5m investment to create specialist affordable homes in town centre

Plans to bring more specialist affordable housing to Wokingham town centre will be taken forward.

Eleven housing units are set to be created at Seymour House, off Denmark Street, following agreement by Wokingham Borough Council’s executive. 

There will be £3.5million invested in the project to create safe, high-quality homes for stable and safe accommodation for residents.

Priority groups include care leavers, adults with learning, mental health and physical disabilities, as well as older people.

It will increase the number of homes the council has for these residents provided at social rents to support the needs of the people who will live there when the conversion is complete. 

This will reduce reliance on out of borough placements, which are often higher cost. The site will include accommodation for care staff. 

'Giving people stability to help them thrive'

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the council and executive member for housing, said: “This project is a vital step in making sure vulnerable residents can live safely and independently in the heart of our community. 

“By creating high‑quality, affordable homes with the right support in place, we are giving people the stability they need to thrive while also reducing our reliance on costly placements outside the borough. 

“This site will provide modern, energy‑efficient accommodation that reflects our commitment to both social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 

“I’m pleased we can bring forward a scheme that improves lives, delivers better value for money, and keeps people connected to the services and support they rely on.”

Energy efficient standards

The site is currently used for offices and will be converted to energy efficiency standards aligning to the council’s Climate Emergency aims. 

It will be funded through section 106 developers’ contributions (£880,000), with the rest funded through grants from Homes England (£1.2million) and borrowing, which will be funded through rental income on council housing. 

Annually it will save the council more than £220,000 in costs after meeting the annual cost of borrowing. 

Town centre sites are particularly needed so residents can access services easily.

Once built the homes would be managed by the council and allocated to priority groups, following its housing policies.

Homes helping people live where they belong

The redevelopment of Seymour House reflects the borough’s commitment to reshaping social care around the principles of Social Care Future. 

By creating homes that help people live where they belong, stay connected to their communities, and lead the lives they want to live, the project puts residents’ independence, strengths and aspirations at the centre of support. 

Cllr David Hare, executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: “People should be able to live in the place they call home, stay connected to the things and people that matter, and have the chance to lead the lives they want to live. 

“By developing modern, specialist, affordable homes in the town centre, we’re building on people’s strengths, keeping support close by, and using public resources in a smarter, more sustainable way. 

“Most importantly, we are doing this by working with residents and partners as equals, listening to what matters to them, and shaping support that helps people live full, independent and fulfilling lives.”

Ready for use by 2027

Relevant planning approvals will now be sought to progress the project, with the units earmarked to be ready for use by summer 2027.

Current tenants First Days Children’s Charity and Procom will be supported as far as possible to find suitable alternative accommodation.