The first spade has gone into the ground on one of the biggest developments making up the huge New Eastern Village expansion of Swindon.

Vistry Homes are the builders of the first tranche of what will be 2,500 houses at the Lotmead development, in the southern part of the whole NEV site.

And bosses from the company were joined by executives from housing association Sovereign Network Group, which will manage the affordable homes to be built, and Swindon Borough Council’s leader Councillor Jim Robbins for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Vistry will build 214 houses on a site to be called King George’s Park - 153 properties for private sale and 61 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership through SNG.

The development will include a local centre, two primary schools, sports hub and green space on a 417-acre site to the east of Wanborough Road.

Wielding his shovel, Cllr Robbins said: “I’m delighted we have been able to support the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Vistry, in unlocking this site to show that Swindon is leading the way in delivering the housing growth expected by the new government.

“Lotmead will see a significant number of new homes, 30 per cent of which will be affordable, and a brand new community in a village setting complete with schools, green open spaces and local facilities delivering on our missions to build a greener and better Swindon.

“I look forward to seeing the development take shape as we continue our drive to meet our housing targets so we build the homes our residents will need now and into the future.”

Supriya Ray, regional managing director of Vistry Cotswolds, said: “The New Eastern Villages scheme is one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in the UK. This exciting development will not only help to address the country’s housing shortage but also assist Swindon Borough Council’s aspirations to kick start economic growth in the town and wider region.

“Lotmead is one of the first villages to be brought forward within the wider scheme, and will therefore have an integral role to play in the formation of this new community. We are proud to be working in partnership with SNG and the council to deliver the new homes and infrastructure which will create a thriving and sustainable neighbourhood where people will want to live.

James Gibson, development director regional managing director West at SNG, said: “This site is a positive step towards delivering our ambitious plans for tens of thousands of good, affordable, new homes that are much needed.

"I’m delighted that our joint venture with Vistry will form a vital part of the delivery of this vision in the Swindon area.”