£2.5bn deal to create 2,000 homes in Warwickshire
A £2.5bn joint venture between Warwickshire Council Council’s property company and Countryside Partnerships is set to deliver 2,000 homes across the county.
Develop Warwickshire has been formed between Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and developer Countryside to create housing developments over the next 30 years. Development at three sites will begin within the next year.
The JV says it the move is part of plans for the county to “realise the potential of its development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights in as sustainable a way as possible”.
Top Farm at Nuneaton has outline consent for 1,700 homes and will include a local centre with the public consultation beginning next month on the development of 54 homes in Water Orton. A reserved matters application has been submitted to North Warwickshire Borough Council to build 71 homes at Warton and is awaiting determination.
Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said the creation of Develop Warwickshire was a major step forward for Warwickshire.
“This partnership is key to our ambition to make the most of the county’s assets for the benefit of local people and local communities. Unlocking our sites to create sustainable, high-quality homes and communities is a key ambition for the council, and Develop Warwickshire will play a major role in this.
“Working with Countryside Partnerships over a longer period enables us to take a more strategic approach and to maximise investment and efficiency in delivering developments which make our county an even more attractive place to live and do business.
“We went through an 18-month procurement exercise to ensure we attracted a partner with the same ambitions and objectives. Homes created by Develop Warwickshire will be timber-framed and will include features such as solar panels, putting sustainability at the heart of these sites.”
Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive of Countryside Partnerships, said: “This new joint venture with Warwickshire County Council enables us to deliver high quality, mixed-tenure homes at scale across the region.
“By combining the skills of our Group with the Council’s ambitions to unlock and regenerate its own land assets, we can deliver true regeneration and maximise the benefits for local communities.”
Adam Daniels, Divisional Managing Director, Midlands, Countryside Partnerships, added: “We have a very strong track record for housing delivery across Warwickshire and the Midlands, and this JV builds on our existing partnership with Warwick District Council, which is already delivering 620 homes in Kenilworth.
“Over the next 30 years we can make a major contribution to the area and we can’t wait to get started on our first schemes.”
