Housing Minister Brandon Lewis MP visits Wellesley

6 August 2015

Grainger plc

("Grainger", "Group" or "Company")

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis MP visits Wellesley

Benefits of public sector land MOD leasing model discussed as well as role of PRS in meeting UK housing needs

London, 6 August, 2015: Housing Minister Brandon Lewis today visited Wellesley in Aldershot, a 255 hectare ex-military site which is delivering 3,850 new homes, for home ownership and rental.

Hosted by Grainger's Property Director, Nick Jopling, the Minister was presented with the overall plans for Wellesley in the Smith Dorrien building; he had a viewing of the Bellway show homes; and he took part in a meet-and -greet with the Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Cllr Peter Moyle, its Chief Executive Andrew Lloyd, and Defence Infrastructure Organisation officials (DIO) including Martin Lloyd - Head Disposals South.

Grainger provided the Minister with comprehensive insight on the benefits of working with the DIO, including the creation of an alternative revenue stream for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). By partnering with Grainger and leasing the land rather than selling it, the MOD is creating new and consistent income for the taxpayer whilst utilising the expertise of Grainger's long track record of owning and managing residential developments.

The tour also highlighted Grainger's extensive expertise in the Private Rental Sector (PRS) and demonstrated how creating "build to rent" homes can help to meet the UK's housing needs.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:

"It's great to be here in Wellesley to see this former military site turned into new homes that people will be able to buy and rent. This large-scale iconic site is a great example of how land can be put to good use to deliver new homes for communities across the country. And we want departments and councils to go further over the next five years and release enough surplus public sector land for an additional 150,000 homes. That way we can give hard-working people the quality homes they deserve."

Nick Jopling, Executive Director of Property at Grainger, added:

"Wellesley is the perfect example of where Grainger brings its century-long expertise in residential property together with the latest insight and techniques in the build-to-rent sector. The Minister has been able to witness the creation of new homes on what had become a disused site and, going forward, the MOD is able to share in the fruits of this visionary regeneration project."

Steve Brown, Managing Director for Bellway Homes Thames Valley commented:

"We're excited to be involved in such a large-scale and historically significant project as Wellesley, and especially to be the first to bring new homes to the development. We are confident that the Housing Minister will be impressed with the overall vision for Wellesley, and the prospects for creating a vibrant new community, rooted in military history."

Cllr Peter Moyle, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said:

"I was delighted to meet the Minister and to be able to demonstrate the strength of the partnership between Grainger, the DIO and Rushmoor Borough Council - which has enabled this key development to come forward in such an innovative way.

"The size, quality and housing mix in Wellesley will provide much needed new homes and enable Aldershot to continue to grow and prosper."

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