THE FIRST stage of the Star Blocks regeneration was unveiled at an official opening ceremony last week.

St Hugh's Avenue in High Wycombe has been given a major face-lift after the original blocks of flats in the road were demolished and replaced with 24 new homes.

When eventually completed , the redevelopment project will replace 147 flats in St Hughes Avenue, Windrush Drive and Hampden House with 300 homes.

A spokesman from Wycombe District Council said: "Homes will be in keeping with the hillside location with a stepped appearance to the skyline adding character to the area. Three play areas, a community hall and shop are also in the plans.

He added: "WASH, Windrush and St Hughs the local association, has been involved in all decisions including the design of the homes, landscaping and community facilities. Not only that, but residents have been able to choose from a selection of kitchens, tiles, decor colours and carpets."

The new homes, built for Beacon Housing Association, are all now occupied by tenants who lived on the estate before the transformation and are now back.

In 2003, 92 per cent of residents turned out to vote on the transfer of their homes from the council to Beacon Housing and a resounding 89 per cent said "yes" to transfer.

Last Thursday's official opening not only celebrated the end of the first stage of the building work, but marked the beginning of the next.

Construction of 38 two and three-bedroom homes will begin in the next few weeks.

The new 300 homes will be a mix of affordable housing, ren-ted and key worker homes. The remainder will be sold on the open market.

Charlie Grimble, Group Director of L&Q Beacon SW Region; Cllr David Carroll, cabinet member for housing; and Eileen Scarborough, chairman of WASH Residents Association were all at the opening.