THE first foundations have been laid for a major regeneration project that the Herefordshire Housing boss says will “transform” the South Wye area.

Peter Brown, chief executive of Herefordshire Housing was on site near The Oval this week to see the first foundations put down.

With the first of 259 new homes set to be completed by this summer, extensive demolition work has already started at Goodrich Grove and Beattie Avenue, as well as site of the former Vortex.

“In a few years’ time, this area will be transformed,” said Mr Brown, who was joined by Herefordshire Council leader Tony Johnson on site.

The residential regeneration project is one of the largest of its kind in the West Midlands, and will provide Newton Farm and Hunderton with a balance of new two- to four-bed homes.

The council has been active in pushing through the project, with Cllr Johnson insisting that delivering new homes for the county remains a high priority.

He said: “The council has provided land as well as support and expertise to this project I am confident will make a huge impact on the south of the city.”