The Gales site is broken into 3 separate lots, and 2 of these are underway (Lot 1 which is the new retail and housing to the West of London Road, and lot 2 which is the new housing to the East of London Road).
Lot 3 which was to be a care home, but will now be flats is to start, and Linden Homes have put out the following release:
I wanted to let you know that Linden is due to start initial work on the construction of the approved scheme for Lot 3 on Monday December 9th. Ahead of major activity starting, Linden will be completing preparatory work, including the erection of hoarding around the site. Please do note that the hoarding planned will also encompass the pavement in front of the site, meaning that pedestrian access along London Road immediately after the Ship & Bell Public House will be closed. The pavement on the opposite side of London Road will remain unaffected.
Further works scheduled for completion by Linden in the coming weeks include ground remodelling and building the foundations to podium level, with the ground works contract scheduled to be complete during the month of May 2014. Activity on-site will cease for the Christmas period on December 23rd, with work resuming on January 2nd 2014.