THE first of 600 homes being built at the Lea Castle development in Kidderminster have been handed over to customers.

Citizen are working with Vistry Partnerships to develop the 49-hectare site which will take eight years to complete.

Rebecca Evans is one of the first people to move into the £137m development. She said she is over the moon and hopes to live at Lea Castle for years.

She said: “I love this house so much – it’s my dream home.

“I cried when I was offered the property, they were happy tears, and I still can’t believe it’s ours. I feel incredibly lucky because I have been given a new build to live in with my little boy. It’s amazing.”

Rebecca was previously renting privately in Kidderminster but after being registered disabled, and living in a property that couldn’t be adapted, she contacted the council and was offered one of the homes at Lea Castle.

Rebecca, who said she hopes to be able to adapt the property in the future if her needs require it, is living with her six-year-old son Fin.She said: “My home means everything to me, it’s going to change our lives.

“We feel we will have security here and the main thing for my son is the garden. He loves the outdoors and it’s a quiet place for him to play.

“There is also a park being built next to our new house, which he will love when it’s completed and as it’s right outside the door, I will be able to take him to it.”

Work first started on site in the summer of 2020. When finished the development will be made up of 240 affordable homes – 59 social rent, 100 affordable rent and 81 shared ownership – and 360 outright sales through a joint venture with Vistry Partnerships.