CONSTRUCTION work on a sustainable housing development in Letchworth GC is “on track”, with the first building expected to be completed next month.

The Tomorrow’s Garden City project at Hartington Place follows a competition by the Royal Institute of British Architects in which architects were asked to submit their design of the ideal affordable 21st century house.

The winning designs from the 2007 competition, run in partnership with Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and North Hertfordshire District Council, incorporate new technologies, environmental designs and use economically and socially sustainable materials such as hemp.

The project will provide 60 new homes for private sale, shared ownership and affordable rent.

Nick Wright, managing director of Rowan Homes, which is managing the build, said: “The ambition of the competition was to deliver high quality, low cost, environmentally friendly, groundbreaking housing in Letchworth - the world’s first ever Garden City - and we are so far delighted with the progress and are on track to deliver just this.

“The mix of property types will create a sustainable community with a wide spectrum of society and will encourage and support social inclusion, diversity and strong community spirit.”

Adrian Brace, the Heritage Foundation’s director of property, added: “This development is a great example of how the principles of Letchworth’s 1905 and 1907 cottage exhibitions have been re-invented to meet the environmental and social needs of a modern day Garden City.

“The competition represents a positive, pioneering approach to innovative architecture and town planning which supports our commitment to sustainability in the long term.”

An open day with the opportunity to look around a show home is planned for the start of 2012.