Southampton's Centenary Quay project first 'build to rent'

The plans are part of a £500m development in Woolston

Hundreds of homes will be built at a Southampton quayside development as part of a £7.5m government project.

The Centenary Quay project is the first to enter the "build to rent" scheme, under which 230 homes are being built with 102 available for private rent.

It will be part of a £500m development to build 1,600 homes, shops, cafés and a supermarket on the former Vosper Thorneycroft marine works.

Housing Minister Mark Prisk said he was "delighted".

He said: "We're determined to build a bigger and better private rented sector that gives tenants a wide choice of good quality homes.

"I look forward to seeing these new homes, and meeting the new tenants as they move into this exciting new development."

'Good opportunities'

Warwick Payne, Southampton City Council's cabinet member for housing and sustainability, called it "great news for the city".

Housing Minister Mark Prisk said the creation of more rented accommodation was "exciting"

He added: "Centenary Quay is already helping to meet affordable housing need locally, as well as offering good opportunities for home ownership.

"This new funding will ensure quality private rented homes in a vibrant location for a significant number of residents."

Crest Nicholson has been developing the site since 2009.

It has been home to shipbuilding since the mid-19th Century and was taken over by Vosper Thornycroft from 1904 until the business relocated to Portsmouth in 2004.