A FLAGSHIP project designed to provide dozens of affordable homes to families has reached a significant milestone.

Reading Borough Council held a topping out ceremony at the site on Conwy Close, Tilehurst, following the completion of the tallest point of the development.

The £11m project will see 57 homes installed as part of a wider scheme to address the housing crisis in the town.

Construction started back in October last year, with a view to introducing a range of one and two-bed flats.

Councillor, John Ennis, lead member for Housing, said: “I am delighted to see the council’s affordable housing development in Conwy Close progressing well.

“This is the council’s largest house building project in this current phase of construction works and will play a vital role in providing high quality accommodation to local people.

“I am looking forward to welcoming the first families to Conwy Close after the first homes are ready later this year.”

The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2019, with words being carries out by housebuilding firm Hill.

Conwy Close is one of a number of initiatives the council has put in place to tackle the town’s housing crisis.

A number of temporary homes came into use in January for households who would otherwise be placed in bed and breakfast accommodation.

The authority has also agreed to invest almost £20m in the construction of up to 100 new affordable homes in its next house building programme.

Ryan Harris, regional director at Hill, added: “We were delighted to take part in the topping out at Conwy Close, which celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of these new homes.

“This development is progressing well and we look forward to welcoming the first residents next year.

“Working with Reading Borough Council, these new homes will benefit local families as councils increasingly look to provide housing and amenities for their communities.”