Longstanding City Councillor Praises “Wonderful” New Peterborough Housing Development

An eye-catching housing development was crowned “one of the finest in Peterborough” when it was officially opened by a longstanding city councillor

Peterborough City Councillor Charles Swift unveiled a handmade ceramic plaque on the front of the historic Thurston House, the focal point of the city centre complex. Townsend Close, situated off Lincoln Road, offers 25 high-quality energy-efficient homes, nine of which are available on a part-buy, part-rent shared ownership basis. Four of the homes are situated inside Thurston House. Initial plans for the development included the demolition of the Victorian-era building, but these were changed following consultation with the local community.

Cllr Swift, who is approaching his 60th year as a councillor, said:

Thurston House has a truly wonderful character and I didn’t want to see this destroyed. If Christmas is a time for miracles, then I’ve got to say it’s a miracle job Accent Nene has done with the complex. It’s now one of the finest housing developments we have in Peterborough

Cllr Swift was particularly impressed with the 15 bird nesting boxes attached to the development’s walls. They were the idea of Accent Nene chairman Roger Davies, a keen bird watcher, and will provide cosy homes for swifts during the summer months.

Mr Davies added: “We are coming to the end of the largest development programme in the history of Accent Nene with over 1,100 new homes finished over the last 8 years. 650 of these have been in Peterborough and we hope to build more new homes in the city in the future, where they are much needed.”

One of the city dignitaries at the festive-themed opening event was Peterborough City Councillor Nazim Khan. Cllr Khan represents Central ward, in which Townsend Close is situated.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled the Thurston House building has been maintained. Sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty of it on paper, so I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to look around. This is a truly unique place.”

Three of the apartments within Thurston House are still available to buy on a shared ownership basis. There is further information regarding shared ownership on the Accent Nene website, www.accentgroup.org or phone 01733 295400.