WORK to transform the former Louisburg Barracks in Bordon has been given the seal of approval from the head of the UK’s biggest housebuilder.

David Thomas, group chief executive of Barratt Developments, visited this week to find out how new developments from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are “regenerating the area”.

A total of 500 new homes are being built on the former barracks, with construction work by both housebuilders well under way and “many happy families” already moved in.

During his visit Mr Thomas was given a tour of David Wilson Homes’ development, Heritage Quarter, and Barratt Homes’ development, New Quarter, and gave his construction team the thumbs up for progress being made at the site.

The latest phase at Heritage Quarter, which features two, three and four bedroom homes, is selling “particularly fast” with only a few left to buy.

“This is the start of a brand new community here in Bordon - and already you can get a sense of how it will feel to live here,” he said. “The construction team has done a fantastic job and you can really see their passion for quality and customer service reflected in the new homes.

“These new homes offer the five-star quality buyers come to expect from Barratt and David Wilson Homes and I’m looking forward to seeing more families move in as the development grows. It is also great to see local apprentices learning their trade on site while also studying at college – another key benefit of the new community.”

During his visit Mr Thomas also had the chance to find out how the new developments are helping people evolve their careers. Both New Quarter and Heritage Quarter have provided opportunities for local young people to study apprenticeships, giving them the all-important access to ‘real work’ experience.

Among those learning the skills of their trade at the former barracks is carpentry apprentice Harry Poulter.

Harry, 18, studies at the Future Skills Centre in Bordon one day a week and spends the rest of his time working on site with staff from Barratt Homes. It means he’s able to get a mix of academic and hands-on learning, all while earning a wage.

He said: “It was really good to meet David Thomas and show him first-hand how the apprenticeship scheme has helped people like me get into a career in construction. I enjoy having a mix of being at college and being out on-site with older members of the team who have been in the trade for years. You get the best of both worlds. The apprenticeship scheme has helped me to make my career goal a reality and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”