ONE of the South West’s biggest housing associations has completed a multi-million pound property swap – while also holding a formal topping ceremony at its new flagship office development.

Knightstone Housing is currently building a new HQ for 300 staff at the Weston Gateway Business Park.

The new premises will replace six smaller offices around the region, resulting in significant financial savings which can be reinvested in the firm’s homes.

And its property stock was further boosted this week, when an exchange of more than 900 homes was agreed with Spectrum Housing.

The deal will see Knightstone take ownership of 610 Somerset homes, and hand over 310 Dorset and Hampshire properties to Spectrum.

The exchange follows a consultation with people living in the affected homes, and is part of a company strategy to bring its 11,000-home property portfolio closer to its new base.

Knightstone chief executive Nick Horne, who attended the topping out ceremony with representatives of partner organisations Dowlas UK, Midas Construction and North Somerset Council, said it had been an important week for the firm.

He said: “The topping out ceremony celebrates the progress we’ve made so far in the development of our new office.

“It’s been really exciting watching the building coming out of the ground, and it’s on track for completion in the summer.

“Moving staff into the new office and establishing our field-based workforce is a key stage in the implementation of our strategic review to refocus our operational area, reshape our services and refresh our ways of working.

“A greater concentration of homes in Somerset and the West of England means we can invest in smarter ways of working in local communities, provide a better local service and develop more homes for people in need.”

Deputy council leader Elfan Ap Rees, who also attended the event, said the development will help provide a real boost for Weston’s economy.

He said: “The company is an important partner and, when completed, the new office will help to boost employment in Weston.

“Meanwhile the building is already acting as a positive visual catalyst to bring other businesses to the town, sparking many new enquiries from companies looking to expand or relocate here”