Cutting sod marks new beginning at Bluebell
20th November 2009
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A large urban area of Warwickshire saw the start of a major transformation today (Friday 20th November) as housebuilder Barratt Mercia officially cut the sod to Camp Hill's Phase 3 regeneration in Nuneaton.
The event marks the beginning of the final phase of redevelopment at Camp Hill and the start of a 12 year programme for Barratt worth nearly £100 million.
Named Bluebell by a local resident to signify renewal, the scheme was made official last month (October) after a development agreement was signed between Barratt Mercia and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
When complete the project will comprise a total of 814 homes, with a minimum 25 per cent affordable. The new housing has been designed specifically for Camp Hill and its unique south facing slope. The area will feature a high street, green open spaces, open views across Whittleford Park and link naturally to the rest of the project.
Officiating the event was Barratt Mercia' Managing Director Andy Peters and the borough council's Director for Environmental Services, Alan Franks. Andy Peters said, "This is an important milestone for Barratt and we are delighted to have begun build work at Bluebell after much hard work in the planning and preparation.
"This is a major project for us and our commitment reflects our confidence in the local housing market."
Alan Franks, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council's Director for Environmental Services said, "This signifies an exciting and ambitious part of the development in Camp Hill. The real value is in the high quality building design, coupled with the opportunities and sense of place it will bring to the area."
This first part of the development will comprise 158 properties, most of which will be built to energy rating level B, making these homes well above average in terms of energy efficiency.
The property styles will be one- and two-bedroom coach houses and two-, three- and four- bedroom houses. They have been designed to the Lifetime Homes standard which means they can provide flexible living and longevity of occupation.
Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands is investing £4.9 million in this phase of the development, as part of a total investment of £13.50 million in Camp Hill. A total of £8.2 million will eventually be invested into the scheme through the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) National Affordable Housing Programme, further to £3.1 million already invested by the Agency in the wider Camp Hill area.
John Preston, of the Homes and Communities Agency, said, "This scheme, in its widest sense, is all about place-making and how the different aspects of the Camp Hill development will come together. Careful consideration has been given to the open spaces, local community areas and, of course, the high quality new homes. We congratulate all involved for reaching this point and are pleased that Barratt, as a housebuilder, is endorsing such an important project."
Philip Roberts, Partnerships Director at Advantage West Midlands, said: "The start of work on site today is excellent news for Pride in Camp Hill, which is undoubtedly one of the most impressive regeneration projects in the region and country - having won a position on this year's list of top 100 regeneration projects nationally.
"The way the regeneration activity links in with the community sets a real example for how agencies should view social and economic regeneration.
"The enthusiasm and passion of Nuneaton is exceptional and everybody who has been involved in the regeneration of Camp Hill should be congratulated for their efforts."
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BBC Coventry and Warwickshire attended to record events at the cutting the sod ceremony (AUDIO)
