128 new affordable homes unveiled in Welwyn Garden City

Hightown Housing Association has celebrated the completion of Walter House, a major affordable housing development in Welwyn Garden City, delivering 128 high-quality homes for local people.

The development on Broadwater Road was officially opened at a special event, where Hightown Chair, Qadeer Kiani, welcomed guests. Among those attending were Andrew Lewin MP, Councillor Gemma Moore, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Councillor Michal Siewniak, Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, alongside local councillors, residents, and representatives from Hightown, Homes England and Hill Group.

Built on the former headquarters site of pharmaceutical company Roche, Walter House provides 90 homes for social rent and 38 homes for shared ownership, helping more local people access affordable housing. All of the homes for social rent have been allocated to people on Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's housing register. The scheme comprises 51 one-bedroom apartments, 76 two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment.

Construction of the new development began in September 2024 and was completed in October 2026. Designed with sustainability in mind, all homes are equipped with air source heat pumps to provide hot water and electric radiators for heating. The development also incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to flush toilets in every apartment and includes electric vehicle charging points for residents.

Located within walking distance of Welwyn Garden City town centre and train station, the development offers excellent transport connections and access to local amenities. Residents also benefit from a central landscaped communal green space, together with car, motorcycle and bicycle parking facilities.

Prospective buyers interested in the shared ownership homes can attend an open day on Saturday 7 November if they book an appointment by calling 01442 292381. Further information is available on Hightown's website.

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. 

"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% of the market rate. I hope our customers are very happy in their new homes."

Cllr Gemma Moore, Executive Member for Housing at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, commented:

“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 development’s impressive sustainability features, communal green space and excellent transport links make this a brilliant addition to Welwyn Garden City.”

Andrew Lewin MP, said:

"It was a pleasure to visit the opening of the new Broadwater Road development. There are not many developments that are able to provide such a high number of socially rented homes and this will make a real difference to local people on the social housing waiting list. 

“This was only achieved through the skills of the developer, funding from national government and the hard work of the local council. I hope that we can see many more developments like this in the future."

Rob Jack, Regional Director of Hill Group, added:

“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. This project has created vital, high-quality and energy-efficient new homes with plenty of communal space for residents to enjoy.”