Members of the community have been scaling scaffolding in celebration of a housing development that is now nearing completion.

Construction for Heron Rise on Station Road in Westbury first started in 2021 when Newland Homes came up with plans to turn a derelict, brownfield site into a new community.

Three years on, the company have joined with Westbury Mayor Cllt Jane Russ and other supporters of the development to scale the height of the scaffolding and sign their names on the wooden roof trusses.

The 'topping out' ceremony is an age-old builders' rite signifying the completion of the highest point of the last home in the development.

Mayor Jane Russ and members of Newland Homes at the top of the final house to be builtMayor Jane Russ and members of Newland Homes at the top of the final house to be built (Image: Newland Homes)

“As we approach the final stages of Heron Rise, we are excited to see the transformation and look forward to its positive impact on the Wiltshire community," said Marcus Evans, sales and marketing director at Newland Homes.

“We are in awe of the dedication and enthusiasm of local people who give up their time to serve their community and we wanted to celebrate this occasion with them. 

"Their names written on the roof trusses of the last house will be a permanent reminder of their altruism.” 

Westbury Shed was just one of the groups which joined the ceremony. The shed was responsible for building a small free library for residents of Heron Rise to encourage the sharing and swapping of books to help facilitate community interaction. 

Marisa Befoh from the Westbury Yarn Bombers, also at the topping-out, crafted a bookworm to sit on top of the library and crocheted bookmarks as mini acts of kindness for the new residents. 

Newland Homes said that among other keen supporters, the company has also built a good relationship with Westbury United FC, sponsoring their club during the last two years of the Heron Rise project.

Supporters signed their names on the wooden roof trusses.Supporters signed their names on the wooden roof trusses. (Image: Newland Homes)

Once it's up and running, Heron Rise will be a development of 89, two, three and four-bedroom low-carbon homes and apartments, all within walking distance of the town’s train station. 

The housebuilder hopes that these new homes can help make home ownership easier with several tailored incentives such as a 5 per cent mortgage contribution available until 31 July 2024 or the Own New Rate Reducer Mortgage, which gives access to lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments for up to five years.   

The few remaining homes are available to purchase at Heron Rise, with prices starting from £260,000.