A consortium of builders has started work on the first part of 4,500 homes planned on land on the outskirts of Leicester.
Leicestershire housebuilders Davidsons Homes, William Davis Homes and David Wilson Homes have broken ground on the first phase of 574 homes, open space and infrastructure at the Thorpebury development.
Developer CEG, the landowner and the consortium exchanged contracts earlier this year and the initial phase – known as Thorpebury-in-the-Limes – will provide housing, landscaping and green spaces including sports pitches, play areas, parkland and new walking and cycling routes.
A new road and temporary bridge have already been built with access from Hilltop Road, between Hamilton and Thurmaston, avoiding local villages.
Earthworks, infrastructure and utilities will be delivered between now and the end of the year and first homes will be ready in the late summer.
The developers said transport improvements will also be delivered in nearby Barkby and Barkby Thorpe to reduce speeds and make travel through the villages safer.
There will also be financial contributions made for new education provision and other transport improvements.
Some 900 acres of farmland north of Hamilton and east of Thurmaston has been earmarked for the new community.
This private-sector led development is forecast to create 3,500 construction jobs and 3,200 permanent jobs within the development, benefiting the local economy.
Will Martin, area manager at CEG, said: “Three high quality housing partners have been selected to deliver the first phase.
“Along with the high-quality landscaping and open space, this will ensure an exemplary and characterful development.”
CEG and the consortium have worked with Charnwood Borough Council on the design of this first phase, which will provide a mix of homes ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms, including affordable homes.
John Reddington, managing director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “We’re pleased to have this opportunity to deliver high-quality properties to Leicestershire homebuyers and invest in this growing community in Charnwood.
“Exciting plans are in place for the development and we’re looking forward to seeing this community progress.”
Jason Glover, operations director for Davidsons Homes, said: “We are delighted to work alongside CEG to deliver 217 one to five-bedroom homes at Thorpebury-in-the-Limes, including 43 affordable properties.
“This is set to be a flagship development in a fantastic location, including plenty of green open space, brand-new facilities and, of course, high-quality housing.”
Guy Higgins, managing director at Loughborough-based William Davis Homes, said: “As regional builders, we’re passionate about creating high-quality homes and thriving communities in Leicestershire.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this very important development.”
As a Charnwood business, William Davis Homes is already a major local employer and user of local suppliers. This includes the recruitment of Leicestershire teenagers to the company’s apprenticeship scheme.
Thorpebury is close to existing employment, services and public transport links and will make a significant contribution towards meeting the borough’s housing needs over the next 15 years.
Over the course of the development, which could be around 30-years, Thorpebury will ultimately deliver three distinct neighbourhoods.
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