THE first fruits of a Winchester City Council-owned housing company will be available soon.

The company, Venta Living, was established in September in a bid to meet the demand for privately rented housing in the district.

The company aims to provide homes offering assured short-term tenancies and a wider choice of new homes for private renters.

The first homes available will be within the Winnall Flats redevelopment – Foxglove House.

Forty-one one-bedroom apartments will be available to rent privately through Venta Living. In addition to the new homes, a landscaping programme will also be undertaken at the site.

READ MORE: Winnall flats housing company plan agreed by Winchester City Council

The new homes have been built by Wates Construction, who also built the existing four tower blocks in the 1960s.

Cllr Chris Westwood, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m proud of this council’s focus to provide homes for all, and we are very aware of the need for more high-quality privately rented homes in our district. The creation of Venta Living Ltd allows us to offer high-quality, secure short-term tenancies for people who choose to rent privately. We care about the quality of the homes, and we care about the wider sense of community. Our homes are designed with this in mind with the public space and landscaping carefully designed for people.

“The homes are very energy efficient, so not only will they be warm and comfortable – they'll save people money on their bills too.  I really look forward to these homes becoming a popular and comfortable place for people in our district to live.”

Expressions of interest are currently being encouraged for the new homes – anyone can register their interest at ventaliving.co.uk.

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The homes are expected to be available in early spring. 

In addition to the 41 rented apartments, the remaining 35 properties on the 76-home development will also include 3 two-bedroom houses and 32 one and two bed apartments, which will be sold through shared ownership.

More information about the shared ownership scheme can be found at the-orchids.com, and expressions of interest can also be made to sales@winchester.gov.uk.