17 Nov 2025
Homes England and councillors from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) Council joined Abri and construction partner The Hill Group recently to officially open the next phase of work at The Granges redevelopment in Dedworth, Windsor.
The Granges (formerly known as Sawyers Close) is Abri's largest ever regeneration project. Once complete, it will provide 413 high quality and sustainable affordable homes for existing residents and the local community, all of which will be 100% affordable.
The regeneration has been made possible by £176 million of funding made available from Abri, including £34.4 million awarded from Homes England. RBWM planning approval for the development, along with additional land transferred to Abri from the council, increased the scale of the proposed site - both allowing more homes to be built and enabling construction to start before the need to demolish the current buildings.
The first 61 homes are already underway and last week saw partners breaking ground on the second phase of the redevelopment, which will deliver a further 121 homes by 2028.
Gary Orr, Abri's Group Chief Executive said: “It's fantastic to be here with our partners to officially open the next phase of The Granges and to walk round the redevelopment and see the great progress that has already been made. None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners, support which will deliver 413 much needed brand new homes for existing residents and the local community.
“Whether it's new builds, redevelopment or regeneration, Abri is committed to providing safe, affordable, sustainable and healthy homes that support people's wellbeing, independence and aspirations. As our largest regeneration to date, The Granges aims to do just that."
The Granges redevelopment should be complete by 2032 with almost all current residents expected to be moved into their new homes within the next three years.
Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing at Homes England, said: “As the Government's housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of high quality, affordable homes remain one of our key objectives. We are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“It's great to see how The Granges development is progressing and the positive impact we are making with Abri. This project is a prime example of how working collaboratively with partners helps us to create thriving communities.”
The redevelopment will see the demolition of the existing worn-out buildings, comprising four tower blocks of 192 properties in total. Work starts on demolishing the first tower block, Winwood, early in 2026.
Councillors Adam Bermange (Cabinet Member for Planning, Governance & Asset Management) and Catherine del Campo (Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Housing Services), said: “We're thrilled to see the next phase of The Granges redevelopment officially underway. This project represents a transformative moment for Dedworth, delivering high-quality affordable, sustainable homes, including 199 social-rented, that will benefit both current residents and future generations.”
To mark this new era of regeneration, and with the overwhelming support of the residents, the redevelopment is called The Granges, giving it a fresh 'identity' to replace Sawyers Close. The Granges was chosen following consultation with the local community over name suggestions. (To note the postal address remains Sawyers Close for the foreseeable future).
Greg Hill, Deputy Chief Executive at The Hill Group, said: “We're proud to be partnering with Abri and RBWM on this landmark regeneration, which will deliver modern, energy-efficient homes and a vibrant new community for Windsor. The Granges reflects what can be achieved through true collaboration, and we look forward to creating a sustainable, high-quality neighbourhood that people can be proud to call home.”
This second phase of the redevelopment follows the official start on site in August of this year when Clewer and Dedworth East Ward Councillors Alison Carpenter and Helen Price visited the site to see the first foundations being laid.
The full list of attendees from the event on Thursday 13th November are set out below. For more information about the redevelopment, click on https://www.the-granges.co.uk/
Notes to editors
Media contact for Abri and Octavia enquiries
Pressoffice@abri.co.uk
@AbriGroup
- Photographs from the event are available on request
- The full list of attendees were:
- Abri - Gary Orr CEO, Jo Makinson Chief Investment Officer, Rose Bean Director of Assets & Sustainability, Paul Quinn Regeneration Project Director, Tom Mason Regional Assistant Director (South East)
- Homes England – Shahi Islam, Director – Affordable Housing Grants
- RBWM –Cllr Adam Bermange Cabinet Member for Planning, Governance & Asset Management, Cllr Catherine del Campo Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Housing Services, Cllr Amy Tisi Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Windsor
- Clewer & Dedworth East Ward Councillor - Helen Price
- The Hill Group – Greg Hill Deputy Chief Executive, Ryan Harris Regional Director, Gary McDonald Contracts Manager, Harry Jest Senior Technical Coordinator, Tom Dickson Head of Partnerships
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 50 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 £130m into existing homes (24-25)
- £261m invested into developing new homes (24-25)
- Generated £10.5m in social value, with a further £7.7m in additional community benefits for customers (24-25)
- #40 in UK's Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For (2024)
- 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 operates under the Abri umbrella.
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.