A leading housebuilder will reopen its developments across Hampshire, Berkshire, West Sussex and Syurrey from tomorrow it has been announced.
Following new guidance from the Government regarding the construction industry, Persimmon Homes is reopening its sites to househunters across England – with strict social distancing and health and safety measures in place.
On-site marketing suites and showhomes have been closed since March 25 when the UK-wide Covid-19 lockdown was introduced.
The Government has now confirmed that they can reopen safely, as long as social distancing is applied and additional hygiene measures are in place.
Persimmon Homes Thames Valley’s developments at Bracknell, Crawley, Littlehampton, Basingstoke and Winnersh will be the first to open tomorrow from 10am to 5pm, and thereafter each week from Thursday to Monday. Initially, viewings and consultations are by appointment only.
The news is a huge boost for househunters keen on buying a new home in the region.
All Persimmon sales staff have received training to ensure they know how to keep visitors safe.
Ben Felton, Director in Charge of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “We are delighted that we are now in a position to be re-opening our new developments and showhomes.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of the public and everyone who works on our sites remain the top priority.
“Our sales advisers have worked extremely hard to help existing and new customers during this difficult lockdown period and continue to be able via phone and email. Reservations and completions have, in fact, remained strong despite no face-to-face contact.
“Even so, being able to meet with househunters, albeit at a safe distance, is an important step forward and will be a help for many people. Looking around the showhomes to see the type of properties on offer is also valuable for many people.
“We look forward to welcoming people in the days and weeks to come.”
During lockdown Persimmon worked closely with its colleagues, sub-contractors and suppliers to develop and test a range of new protocols to enable work to recommence safely, in anticipation of a potential return to its sites and its sales offices.
David Jenkinson, CEO, said: “We support the Government’s view that the housing sector has
a key role to play in the UK’s economic recovery. The urgent need for new homes has not been diminished by COVID-19 and the new measures announced by the Government will reopen the housing market and allow people to get moving again.
“Our sales colleagues can now begin to return to site but staff and customer safety remains our first priority and we have put in place new protocols and training procedures to enable them to restart operations safely.
“Persimmon decided not to access any form of Government support during the shutdown
period and has maintained its commitments to its colleagues and communities in full throughout.
“Now, as we re-start activity, this decision is also enabling us to get back to work swiftly and safely. Persimmon is open for business and we are looking forward to welcoming customers back to site and continuing to play our part in rebuilding Britain’s economy.”
Initially, sales consultations will be on a pre-booked appointment basis only. To book, visit www.persimmonhomes.com.