High Wycombe: West Neighbourhood celebrates St Hugh’s Avenue completion

L&Q's West Neighbourhood has celebrated the completion of the final home in the St Hugh's Avenue development on the former Star Blocks site in High Wycombe.

St Hugh's Avenue replaced 147 old properties with three-hundred 2 and 3 bedroom homes and flats in a multi-million pound redevelopment programme lasting seven years.

Among the guests celebrating the event were L&Q staff, residents, the development partner Inspace and representatives from Wycombe District Council, all of whom were directly involved in the regeneration. The Mayor of Wycombe, Cllr Julie Pritchard, was also among the dignitaries.

Wycombe District Council Vice-Chair, Bill Bendyshe-Brown, unveiled a commemorative plaque and spoke about the transformation of the area.

He said: "It has been quite a journey to get what where we are today.

"The previous properties were notoriously difficult to maintain and encouraged anti-social behaviour. Despite the challenges we faced in getting here the wonderful community that today exists makes all the effort worth it."

Rupert Moyne, L&Q West Neighbourhood Services Director, spoke of the success of the whole regeneration process.

He said: "At each stage of the development, from planning to moving in, we worked in partnership with residents, the Council and our development partner Inspace. The success of this development and the vibrant community we have here today is testament to the strength of these partnerships."

Following the unveiling guests took a tour of the site and joined residents at the local community centre, where children enjoyed a petting zoo and face painting activities.

At the conclusion of the event residents had the chance to complete a survey about living on the estate which will be used to help L&Q deliver other improvements and better services to residents.