20 Aug 2025
Dedworth Ward Councillors Alison Carpenter and Helen Price were on site recently to watch the foundations being laid for the first 61 brand new affordable homes in the redevelopment of Sawyers Close.
Over the next five years, housing provider Abri, along with its construction partner, award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, will build 413 high-quality and sustainable homes for its current residents and the local community in Windsor. All the new homes will be 100% affordable.
This will see the demolition of the existing worn-out buildings, comprising four tower blocks of 192 properties in total. Almost all current residents are expected to be moved into their new homes within the next three and a half years.
Ward Councillor Helen Price, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, said: "This regeneration is so important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will increase the number of social homes in this community, which are desperately needed.
“Secondly there will be high quality, energy efficient homes to replace the current stock, which is way past its sell by date. And thirdly there will be a greater mix of homes, including one, two and three bed flats, as well as three and four bedroomed houses specifically designed to meet the needs of local families.”
To mark this new era of regeneration, and with the overwhelming support of the residents, the redevelopment will have a fresh 'identity' to replace Sawyers Close. In consultation with the residents over name suggestions, Abri has branded the redevelopment 'The Granges'. This new branding will be rolled out over the coming weeks and months, with Abri starting to talk about The Granges, rather than Sawyers Close as the redevelopment becomes reality. (To note the postal address remains Sawyers Close for the foreseeable future).
Abri recently carried out a survey with existing residents, to capture how they feel about life on the estate and the services provided to them. 86 out of 154 households responded and what they told us demonstrates there is a real desire for change and improvement.
Key findings include:
- Residents of Sawyers Close report lower life satisfaction and sense of purpose, along with higher anxiety and lower happiness, compared to those in Windsor, Maidenhead, and the UK overall
- Residents were most satisfied with the quality of green spaces and Abri's contributions to their community and the overall service Abri provides, although less than half were proud to say they lived at Sawyers Close.
- When asked about the regeneration, residents most often expressed excitement, concerns over slow progress, and ongoing issues with property or repairs.
Abri will be conducting surveys throughout the redevelopment to capture what is going well and address any concerns.
Paul Quinn, Regeneration Project Director at Abri said: “It is fantastic to see the machines rolling in and laying the foundations on Abri's biggest ever regeneration project.
“Our recent survey of residents shows a real desire to see the regeneration of the Sawyers Close estate. We are giving the redevelopment a new brand name 'The Granges' and are united with our partners Hill and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in our aim to create a fresh, safe and vibrant local community for all to enjoy. “
Gary McDonald, Contracts Manager at The Hill Group commented: “We're proud to be working with Abri on this major regeneration project and to welcome Dedworth Ward Councillors Alison Carpenter and Helen Price to site as the foundations were laid for the first 61 affordable homes. These homes will help transform lives and play a key role in creating a brighter future for the community.
“It's also fantastic to see residents shaping that future by helping choose the new name, The Granges. At Hill, we believe successful regeneration includes working closely with the community, and we're committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that reflect their vision.”
To keep up to date with the redevelopment, learn more about The Granges brand and explore the findings in the Sawyers Close Baseline Survey head to www.the-granges.co.uk
Notes to editors
Pictures from the councillor site visit and images of the new brand The Granges are available on request.
Media contact for Abri and Octavia enquiries
@AbriGroup
About Abri
Abri is a large housing provider that owns and manages more than 58,000 homes and community assets, and serves more than 113,000 customers. We work with over 48 local authorities, 94 parliamentary constituencies, and community partners to deliver our services.
Our mission
We believe everyone has the right to a good quality safe, warm and sustainable home in a community where they can belong, grow and thrive.
How are we doing right now?
- G1/V1 regulatory rating for Abri group (as of November 2024)
- Moody's credit rating of A3 stable (November 2024)
- Record investment of £100m into existing homes
- Invested £3.7m in cost of living support directly for customers and community investment
- #40 in UK's Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For
- Investors in People Platinum
Strengthening services with a regional approach
As we grow, we are enhancing our local presence to deliver even better services. Abri has introduced a regional model with four distinct areas, each led by local leadership. This approach ensures we are more visible, accountable, and closely connected to our customers and communities, enabling us to tailor support to their diverse needs.
About our regions
London
On 18 December 2024, Abri welcomed Octavia Housing (Octavia), a London-based housing provider, into the group as a subsidiary. Octavia will operate under the Abri umbrella, with Mary Gibbons taking on the role of Regional Managing Director for the London region.
Octavia provide homes, support and care for people in central and West London. Octavia has stayed true to its social purpose for more than 150 years, continuing the pioneering work of its founder, Octavia Hill. As stewards of a proud legacy dating back to 1865, it provides sustainable homes and places for future generations to enjoy and be proud of, for the common good.
South region
Abri's south region, led by Helen Wilson (Regional Managing Director), covers Wiltshire, Hampshire, and parts of Dorset.
South west region
Also led by Helen Wilson, the south west region spans Somerset, Bristol, Devon, and the western parts of Dorset.
South east region
Led by Dasos Christou (Regional Managing Director), the south east region covers Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and South Buckinghamshire