The first new homes at a former cricket ground off Alma Road in Peterborough are now available. The homes are being built by Accent Nene to help local people take their first step into home ownership. The development, known as The Spinners, will offer a mix of modern houses and apartments.

A stylish show apartment was opened by Accent Nene chairman Cliff Walker. The public now have the opportunity to view the show home and see the £18 million mixed-use scheme for themselves.

The first phase of the scheme - comprising a mix of two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouse style properties - is now ready for occupation. The remainder of the development is set for completion in May.

Funded by the government's Housing Corporation, The Spinners is being built on the seven-acre former sports ground previously owned by Perkins Engines. The scheme, which is located near local amenities and the city centre, will include housing, recreation facilities and an 'extra care' housing development for older people being built by Axiom Housing Association.

Accent Nene will provide many of the homes for sale under its shared ownership scheme or for rent. The remainder will be available for outright sale. There are 32 apartments available under a shared ownership scheme where buyers can purchase a 50 per cent stake in the property and rent the other 50 per cent. They can then increase their ownership in the property as and when they are able. As shared ownership is significantly cheaper than outright purchase this gives local people an opportunity to get onto the property ladder.

There are also ten three-bedroom townhouses with allocated parking available for purchase under the shared ownership scheme. Four other apartments with single garages are available for outright sale.

Meg Lewis, marketing manager at Accent Nene, said: "There is a high demand for good quality, affordable housing in Peterborough, particularly for people trying to get onto the property ladder. Our new homes at The Spinners will help address this need.

"The mixed-use scheme will help to create a thriving new community which will also benefit residents locally. We are looking forward to welcoming people to our open days where they will have the chance to look round our new show apartment and find out more about the other homes on offer."

In addition to Accent Nene's mixed housing Axiom Housing Association will own and manage an extra care housing development which will provide 40 one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments for older people. Five apartments in the building will be available for shared ownership while the remainder will be for rent. The scheme, known as The Pavillions, will also provide open space for residents and will include a convenience store and a hair salon. The first residents are due to move into the scheme in summer 2008.

A key feature of the site will be the spacious central green. This attractive and part landscaped public open space will also include a children's play area and a dedicated hard paved area for sports such as basketball, making The Spinners ideal for young families just getting on to the property ladder.

There are also plans to provide a large new medical facility on the site for local residents.