London & South East

Potential buyers and tenants are sold on ‘exemplar’ development

Orbit Housing - Norse roadAlready generating sales and intense interest from potential buyers and tenants, the first phase of a major new 321-home mixed affordable and private housing development to be known as Aspire, is well underway on Norse Road, east Bedford, in what is considered an exemplar development for Orbit Homes, part of the Orbit Housing Group.

The scheme is under construction on a 33.15 acre greenfield site overlooking the village of Renault and the development layout has been designed to retain views of the village from the site after the scheme has been completed.

Buyers have already snapped up 13 of the homes within the first phase, which comprises a total of 88 homes and five show-homes.

48 of the properties will be for affordable housing, with the remaining 40 being for private sale. Orbit Homes are Principal Contractors for the scheme, with the affordable housing element being delivered by Bullock Construction. Architects are RCD Ltd.

The scheme includes 19 different house-types ranging from two to four bedrooms and comprising semi detached, terraced and detached properties, as well as a small number of apartments. The homes range in size from 635 sq. ft to 1,324 sq. ft, with the average sized home being 744 sq. ft.Orbit Housing - Norse road

The site is arranged around a cruciform main road layout, with smaller roads branching off and culminating in a large central roundabout.

Paul Sewell, Technical Manager responsible for architecture and engineering within Orbit Housing Group said: “We are aiming to provide housing on a par price-wise with our competitors, but with the extra quality and detail that you would expect from a higher priced product.

“The development has been designed to provide an uninterrupted view from the front of the site right through to the church spire of Renault Village.Orbit Housing - Norse road

“Unlike a private developer who completes a development and then walks away – the Orbit ethos is to provide the community aspect. The site has therefore been designed as a community with public open spaces throughout, including play and sports facilities.

“We have put a great deal into this project, which is a five year build scheme with an expected seven year sales programme (based on the current market). The interest being shown in the homes gives an indication of the quality of build which is being achieved.”Orbit Housing - Norse road

“The show-homes have been a great success. We have used three different interior designers to show a broad cross-section of design taste and this has worked very well.”

He added that Orbit homes will be providing site maintenance services for both the affordable and private housing elements of the scheme, including all the public open spaces

Paul High, Managing Director of Orbit Homes said: “This development is very exciting for us as it is our first large-scale development where we will build, develop and sell all homes”

“Our aim is to build a community where people Aspire to live and as such the development has been carefully designed to hold onto green spaces and provide homes across a range of tenures to create a real neighbourhood spirit’

Completion is due at the end of May 2012.

Orbit Homes is the development and sales arm of the Orbit Group and was launched in March 2010 to build and sell homes across a range of tenures including outright sale, HomeBuy Shared Ownership and Intermediate Rent.Orbit Housing - Norse road

Orbit Homes is different from other house builders in that as a social business, any surplus made by the company is recycled and used to develop more affordable homes.

Aspire is a flagship development for Orbit, as it’s the first to be built and sold entirely by the organisation and includes a full range of tenures including outright sale, HomeBuy Direct, HomeBUy Shared Ownership, Intermediate Rent and General Needs Rent.

Bullock is a construction service provider founded in 1955.

With an outstanding commitment to customer service, the company has built on the cornerstone of their expert knowledge and diversified into new sectors such as commercial, education and care.

Bullock’s work covers the length and breadth of the UK and they continue to innovate, embracing new partnerships and added value within their service. Their impressive portfolio includes outstanding new builds, refurbishments and maintenance repairs.

The company’s dedication in adhering to environmental initiatives shines through their work, laying the foundations for a sustainable future in the communities in which they work.

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Roma Publications