The show home on a new development in Stratford upon Avon has been officially opened by Olympic gold medal-winning rower Matt Gotrel, who claimed victory with Team GB’s men’s eight crew at Rio 2016.

Sonnet Park, on Banbury Road, will deliver 62 new homes in the town, supporting the local need for quality new housing; 22 of these will be transferred to a local housing association providing a mix of rented and shared ownership properties.

Along with the boost to local housing needs, the scheme will bring a range of community benefits including an equipped play area and a village green.

Amanda Rogers, Sales Director for Persimmon Homes South Midlands said: “This is a hugely exciting development that will deliver quality homes to the town of Stratford upon Avon.

“Sonnet Park will provide 62 high quality homes helping address the need for new quality housing whilst at the same time making important contributions to local services and infrastructure.

Matt Gotrel in the specially designed Olympic-themed study of the Sonnet Park show home

“Persimmon Homes is proud to be an Official Partner of Team GB for Paris 2024. We celebrate the importance of home and understand the strong connection between the places where we put down roots, and the things we can go on to achieve. In the lead-up to Paris 2024, Team GB athletes are being invited to some of our show home openings across the country, to share their connections to the local area and inspire future generations.”

Commenting on the opening, Matt Gotrel said: “It was great to be able to open the Sonnet Park show home and see lots of excited guests get a first look at their potential new home!

“I must say it really did look great, the Persimmon team had done a brilliant job in showing what can be achieved inside these new homes.

“Having grown up in the area, I can safely say it's an amazing place to live, with so much to offer, and great access to both the local town and the countryside. There is definitely no shortage of things to do here. And it has great travel links across the country, so it has something for everyone.

“Persimmon have not only delivered a great space for a new community to thrive, they have recognised a need to help and engage with the local charities. It was fantastic to hear about their Community Champions scheme and all the work that goes on behind the scenes.

“It will be great to see Sonnet Park come to life and become a home for so many families."

Persimmon Homes is also contributing £1.26 million to be invested in the provision of library and education contributions, healthcare and highway and public transport improvements.

Work is expected to be completed by the middle of 2024.