Developers held a “topping-out” ceremony celebrating an affordable housing project reaching its highest point.

Three Rivers Homes, a joint venture between Watford Community Housing and Three Rivers District Council were in high spirits when they visited The Chess site on Heysham Drive in South Oxhey, with contractors Bugler Developments.

Built on the former site of the Grapevine pub, The Chess is the first development to come from this partnership offering 33 new homes with variable tenancies.

The building project includes 8 one-bedroom and 25 two-bedroom properties, with 18 new homes for market rent, ten for social rent and five for shared ownership.

Construction started in February this year and is scheduled for completion in March 2019.

Steven Halls, chief executive of Three Rivers District Council, said: “It’s been exciting to be involved in this housing development - a great addition to our portfolio of affordable housing in the district.”

Andy Bugler, chief executive of Bugler Group, said: “Building affordable housing in Three Rivers is really important, and I hope we can operate more locally in the future.”

Speaking about the development, Martina Kennedy, director of Clarendon Living, said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering these first homes as part of our Three Rivers Homes joint venture and we are grateful to Three Rivers District Council for their support.

“It’s vital that we work well with our partners to provide housing that’s not only affordable for a range of people, but modern and comfortable too.”