Thorngate Churcher Trust has completed the purchase of development land in Gosport with work set to start on the first of 39 new homes for the over 50s later this year.

Gosport Mayor and Thorngate trustee Mark Hook together with local councillor Diane Furlong joined Thorngate’s chief executive Anne Taylor to mark the occasion.

Planning for the new homes was granted late last year and Anne said completion of the site purchase is a key milestone in the development on the site on the corner of Sealark Road and Grove Road.

The first phase of development will see 30 new homes created and ready for occupation in 2024.

“Thorngate already operates 124 assisted living flats in Gosport and this new scheme will also provide quality new homes and meet some of the demand from people looking for low-cost community housing in the borough,” said Anne.

“As with all our homes, these new properties will provide the opportunity for people to live independently but with the benefit of warden support, communal facilities, and landscaped grounds.”

Gosport Mayor and Thorngate trustee Mark Hook said he was pleased the development will help alleviate the need for housing in Gosport with 700 people currently on the council’s waiting list.

“I’m pleased we can build another 39 units of affordable housing primarily for the people of Gosport,” he said.

Thorngate has been providing homes for those in need in Gosport since 1865.