According to the Eden Project, one in five people in the UK have never spoken to their neighbours and yet, over three quarters believe it would be better for our communities if we were closer to the people we live next to. In recognition of this, local housebuilder Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes is joining the Home Builders Federation in celebrating its annual New Homes Week (3rd – 9th February), with ‘Community’ as the theme for 2025.
This year’s New Homes Week focuses on the investment new build developments bring to their local areas and to celebrate the communities they have developed.
According to its Socio-Economic Footprint report, last year, Barratt David Wilson North Thames contributed £39.6 million to benefit its local communities across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex. This included:
- 1,251 direct, indirect and induced employment through the Group, its sub-contractors and suppliers
- £21.4 million expenditure on physical works, benefitting local communities (including highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities)
- £18.2 million in contributions including S106 and equivalent contributions such as the Community Infrastructure Levy
- 15 hectares of green space created (the equivalent of 22 football pitches)
Infrastructure at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes housing developments Linmere and Clipstone Park, created with its consortium partners, include community centres, primary schools, parks and a BMX pump track.
Meanwhile, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes’ Kingsbrook development recently unveiled a brand-new community nature trail to celebrate the wildlife most commonly seen at the development. Last year, the development also opened the very first Wenzel’s bakery in Buckinghamshire, and has since welcomed Esquires Coffee, Tesco Express and a dentist.
Sharon Patterson, Kingsbrook resident comments: “When I visited Kingsbrook, I instantly knew it was the place for me. The nature at the development is impressive, and I have honestly never been anywhere with so many dog walkers. All of these features add to my quality of life and wellbeing.”
Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames said: “Community has always been at the centre of our housebuilding. Our contribution to local infrastructure, charitable causes and nature in the area underpins all that we do. It is important to us to establish a strong sense of community within our local areas, for both our residents and our neighbours too.
“HBF New Homes Week is a fantastic example of showcasing what we do and the importance of making a community your priority as housebuilders. We look forward to continuing to work closely with local councils and worthy causes this year and unveiling our newest developments and homes in the region.”
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes is currently building a range of new homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Available developments include: Kingsbrook in Aylesbury, Clipstone Park in Leighton-Linslade and Linmere in Houghton Regis.
For further details about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk