128 affordable homes open at Welwyn Garden City scheme

Walter House, delivered by Hightown Housing Association, provides 128 new homes in Broadwater Road, offering a mix of social rent and shared ownership options for residents.

Built on the former headquarters site of pharmaceutical company Roche, the scheme includes 90 homes for social rent and 38 for shared ownership, all of the homes for social rent have been allocated to people on Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s housing register.

Maxine Espley MBE, chief executive of Hightown Housing Association, said: "Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home and we are delighted to celebrate the completion of these new homes at Walter House.

Walter House has been built on the former headquarters site of pharmaceutical company Roche. (Image: Hightown Housing Association)

"This development has transformed a brownfield site into a sustainable new community, providing high-quality homes for people who otherwise might struggle to access affordable housing in Welwyn Garden City.

"We are grateful to Homes England for providing funding to enable us to let 90 of the homes at social rent, around 50 per cent of the market rate."

The scheme comprises 51 one-bedroom, 76 two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom apartment, all designed with sustainability in mind.

Each home is equipped with air source heat pumps for hot water, electric radiators for heating, and rainwater harvesting systems to flush toilets.

Construction of the new development began in September 2024. (Image: Hightown Housing Association)

The development also includes electric vehicle charging points.

Cllr Gemma Moore, executive member for housing at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, said: "I was delighted to attend the opening of Walter House and see first-hand how this former brownfield site has been transformed into a high-quality, attractive and affordable housing development.

"It is especially welcome that every social-rent home has been offered through the council’s housing register, helping more local people gain the stability and security they deserve."

The site is within walking distance of the town centre and train station, offering excellent transport links and access to amenities.

Residents also benefit from a central landscaped communal green space and parking for cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

Rob Jack, regional director of Hill Group, said: "We are delighted to have completed work two months ahead of schedule on this much-needed affordable housing for Welwyn Garden City, on behalf of our long-term partners at Hightown and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council."

Construction began in September 2024 and was completed in October 2026.