The demolition of derelict flats at Alcock Crest in Warminster has begun, paving the way for new homes.
The works mark the first phase of a redevelopment that will replace the two blocks with 14 new homes built by Selwood Housing, once plans are approved. The second phase will see the demolition of flats at nearby Westleigh, with plans to replace these with four new affordable homes.
The demolition work is being carried out by contractor David Horton and is expected to take around eight weeks at Alcock Crest. The works will then continue at Westleigh from October and are due to be completed by Christmas 2025.
Selwood Housing made the decision to demolish the flats at both sites in January 2024 when investigations revealed that the scope and cost of repairs to the blocks, built in the 1950s to 1960s, was larger than anticipated and that a programme of repairs and replacement was no longer possible. All customers living at the two sites have been rehoused.
Redevelopment plans for the two sites were first unveiled in January 2025 during a consultation evening at Warminster Civic Centre, where residents from Alcock Crest and Westleigh were invited to give their feedback on the proposals.
“We’re very excited about our plans to deliver more much-needed affordable homes in Warminster and look forward to hearing the outcome of our planning application,” said Paul Walsh, Group Development Director at Selwood Housing.
“We expect to start building the new homes in the first half of 2026. Each new home will have high levels of insulation, an air source heat pump and solar panels. This will help keep both carbon emissions and energy bills down, so it’s good for the environment and good for our customers.”
Dan Horton, of David Horton Contractors Ltd, said, “We’re delighted to be supporting Selwood Housing in preparing the sites at Alcock Crest and Westleigh to make way for new affordable homes.
“Residents living nearby have been contacted about the works and are encouraged to speak to our site manager if they have any questions or concerns.”
Selwood Housing is looking to start work on the new developments from spring 2026.
