THE preferred bidder to help deliver 800 homes for Hereford city centre has been approved.

Herefordshire Council has chosen Keepmoat Homes Ltd (Keepmoat) as its partner developer following a 12-month procurement process.

Keepmoat, once officially appointed in September, will contribute to the delivery of 800 homes for Hereford's urban village and to the housing targets set for the county, of which a significant number will be enabled by the Hereford bypass.

Cllr Harry Bramer, cabinet member contracts and assets, said it was one of the most important bids the council needed to consider.

Keepmoat is a national company with its HQ based in Doncaster.

But the council said Keepmoat will use local labour and the local supply chain, creating jobs, apprenticeships, training and education opportunities in the construction industry.

Cllr Bramer added: "The appointment of Keepmoat as our preferred bidder and subsequently our partner developer means that the council retains its ability to raise capital from the council’s land holdings, whilst controlling the nature, speed and character of the county’s development.

"Keepmoat will provide support for local businesses, third sector groups and the community as well as improving skills and educational attainment through training and apprenticeships. This in turn will enable the development of new economic activity to address the problem of low wages in the county."