More funding is needed before a major Castlefield regeneration programme can go ahead – amid spiralling costs of construction.

The dilapidated Castlefield ‘star blocks’ have sat empty for years awaiting demolition after Red Kite Community Housing was given permission to replace the abandoned flats with 194 new homes.

Red Kite said “Christmas had come early” when the former Wycombe District Council said they were minded to approve the overhaul back in December 2019 after years of discussions about the major project.

But despite that go-ahead, the run-down flats, which were built in the 1960s and 70s, are still standing, with the Red Kite information boards out the front still highlighting the improvements the project will make and the outdoor areas fenced off.   

When a Bucks Free Press reporter went to have a look, the area was silent and abandoned – so we asked Red Kite for an update on how the plans were progressing.

A spokesman said they were waiting to find out whether further bids for funding have been successful to help towards the massive costs of the project.

Back in 2019, the regeneration – which also included car and cycle parking, play areas for children and public open space as well as 88 one-bed flats, 96 two-bed flats, two three-bed homes and eight four-bed homes – was already tipped to cost more than £40 million.

Julie Gamble-Kempe, head of communications and brand at Red Kite Community Housing, said: “We are currently awaiting information following applications and ongoing discussions in respect of funding support from Homes England and Buckinghamshire Council before we are able to decide on the future of the Castlefield scheme.

“Given the current increasing costs of construction and the significant sums that we will need to put into the development, we need to consider all additional funding support available which includes possible funding through the Government’s Levelling-Up fund, Homes England grant, and specific money held by the council for supporting affordable housing.

“As soon as we have responses to our requests for funding, our board will then consider how we progress with the Castlefield regeneration project.

“We are committed to providing as much affordable housing as possible. The Castlefield development requires a very large subsidy contribution over and above our normal allowances, which is why we must proceed with caution.

“We are hopeful that with additional funding support we can deliver the scheme, but we need to manage all financial risks to ensure it is the right thing to do in the current climate.

“We’d like to thank the council and Wycombe MP Steve Baker for working with us on this approach.”