THE construction of new housing estate on the historic Metal Box factory in Worcester will start in the new year.

Developer Taylor Wimpey was given the go-ahead for the scheme to build 215 houses at the site in Perry Wood Walk in August.

The scheme approved by city planners was for four one bedroom properties, 19 two bedroom properties, 126 three bedroom properties and 66 four bedroom properties.

The new development will be at the site of the former Crown Works packaging factory. It has become knows as a derelict mess since Carnaud Metalbox, which used to make cans for some of the biggest names in the food and drink industry, closed down in 2013.

The development, to be called Williamson Place, is to create jobs for subcontractors during the construction period.

Taylor Wimpey will be making significant financial contributions towards improving facilities in the community, including towards local schools, improving the cycle links to Shrub Hill Station and enhancing public open space in the vicinity as part of the scheme.

When work on the scheme is completed, the first plots are due to be released for sale in May 2018.

Anne Wallace, Taylor Wimpey's regional sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted to have received approval for our plans for this wonderful new development in Worcester, which will provide a superb selection of new homes for local people in this popular Worcestershire location.

“As a local housebuilder, we feel it’s important to contribute to the local communities in which we build our new homes by bringing investment, new facilities and new employment opportunities to the area, and we are looking forward to bringing a wealth of benefits to Worcester.”

Detailed plans and prices for the first plots will be revealed at launch. Anyone can register their interest at taylorwimpey.co.uk to receive the latest information as soon as it becomes available.