New Housing Scheme Officially Opened
Written by HFM News on 24th July 2025
A new affordable housing scheme has been officially opened on Market Harborough’s Southern Estate.
38 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership have been built on Naseby Square and the first residents have moved in.
L-R Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer, Platform; Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston; Elizabeth Froude, Group Chief Executive, Platform; Darren King, Managing Director, Lindum Group.
The re-development project proved controversial when first announced, as some elderly residents were informed by letter their bungalows would be demolished as part of it.
They were later offered the chance to move back to one of the new homes.
Harborough District Council was also accused of paying over the odds when it spent £920,000 buying a bungalow in neighbouring Granville Street, so the land it later sold to Platform Housing Group could be used in the new homes scheme.
A new residents’ lounge and communal gardens have also been provided as part of the scheme by housing association Platform.
Speaking at the launch event, Platform Chief Executive Elizabeth Froude said she is delighted the project is now complete after the initial difficulties:
New homes at Okey Close
Nicola Baker is one of the new residents and said she was delighted to be able to find an affordable property in the area: “I feel like I’ve finally found my place as after 6 weeks I feel so comfortable here and enjoying the life that Market Harborough is giving me.
“I love the finished development it feels modern and welcoming and well designed and hopefully over time we’ll build a sense of community here.”
Platform Housing delivered the new homes with contractor Lindum Group and the site was visited by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien at the launch event.
Commenting on the provision of affordable homes in his constituency, Mr O’Brien said: “It was a pleasure to meet people in the new houses and see how the previous site of homes and derelict garages has been changed into new affordable housing.”
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