Speaking at the official opening of Crawley's newest neighbourhood this afternoon, Henry Smith MP, commented:
 
“Crawley's motto is 'I grow and I rejoice' so I'm delighted our town's 14th neighbourhood of Forge Wood is starting to be constructed with houses becoming available.
 
“The community will provide 1,900 new homes, including around 530 council properties, in addition to a GP surgery, school, hall and local shops‎.
 
“I was impressed too with how the ancient woodland is being preserved giving a natural feel.”
 
The neighbourhood, in the North East Sector of Crawley, will also include a primary school, shops, central parkland, a community building and a health centre, as well as cycle and transport links to Crawley and Gatwick Airport.
 
Forge Wood is being delivered by the Homes & Communities Agency, Crawley Borough Council, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey.
 
Martyn Clark, managing director of Persimmon Homes, Thames Valley, said;
 
“After a great launch we have reserved all of our first released plots and have just released the next five plots for sale. Our show home is opening next month and we are expecting a further surge in interest driven from that.
 
“The range of schemes available, both from developers and through the Help to Buy Scheme, makes Forge Wood a great prospect for all would-be buyers.
 
“This is an exciting new project and Persimmon Homes is delighted to be a development partner.”
 
Chris Carney, Managing Director of Taylor Wimpey, South Thames, added;
 
“As expected, demand for properties at Forge Wood has been very high. The various buying schemes available from the developers, including the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme, have attracted a range of purchasers, at all stages of the property ladder, from first-time buyers to downsizers.
 
“Once complete the Forge Wood development will be an excellent asset to the existing community of Crawley.”
 
Robert Napier, Chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency, commented;
 
“I am proud that the HCA has been able to be part of creating this new neighbourhood.  This development demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sector work together to release public sector land and fulfil local needs.
 
“From what I have seen today these homes are of a high standard and a really great community is starting to take shape.”