Construction has started at Leicestershire’s first Garden Village, Broadnook.
Announcing the launch of construction, the developers have unveiled a new roadside billboard as well as the installation of Hollywood-style 9ft lettering made from corten steel.
Raising a glass of locally grown Rothley sparkling wine was the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, alongside James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes, and Steve Keenan, Construction Director at Cora Homes.
The creation of the new Garden Village includes plans for car-free zones, cycle paths, village square, community nursery and primary school, enterprise zones, allotments and open green spaces that will connect residents to the local landscape.
The project is backed by an investment of £32.6 million – of which over £17 million is being invested into local schools – creating more than 1,900 homes ranging from one to five bedrooms.
Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz said: “The launch of Broadnook Garden Village is a defining moment for the Borough of Charnwood as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“This thoughtful, innovative design offers a sense of ‘place’, encapsulating the heritage of the surrounding area but considers the long-term future for the new community as it develops.
“I recall the many consultation meetings and I am genuinely delighted and privileged to be part of this special occasion, which will prove to be an investment that provides more than simply houses.”
James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes, said: “It is a privilege to be here, today, to officially launch the construction of Broadnook Garden Village – Leicestershire’s first Garden Village. Broadnook aims to bring the very best elements from all your favourite Charnwood villages into one purpose-built community.”
Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora Homes, added: “We’re proud to be co-creating Broadnook Garden Village and in doing so establishing a modern, connected community that will offer residents exceptional homes set among landscaped green areas with open walkways to exercise and immerse in nature.
“Broadnook will create local infrastructure, enterprise zones, community hubs and flexible working spaces – designed to meet the long-term needs of homeowners from today into the future. At Cora, we call it Creating Amazing Places.”
Taking its name from a local ancient spinney that runs through the site, Broadnook promises tree lined walks, parks, allotments, wildflower meadows, play areas, landscaped garden spaces and sports pitches. More than 50 per cent of Broadnook Garden Village will be devoted to green spaces.
Iain Pickering, Design Director at Davidsons Homes – and mastermind behind the reinvention of the Broadnook Garden Village concept – said: “We are creating Broadnook Garden Village without losing sight of how we all want to live: as part of a thriving community that feels modern and connected, yet firmly rooted in the beautiful nature that we are lucky enough to enjoy in Charnwood.
“As a local resident myself, it was important that we not only took inspiration from the history of Charnwood’s villages, but also looked to the future.”
He adds: “We have taken many of our design cues from the local Leicestershire landscape: our street signs take inspiration from our neighbours at Great Central Railway; our architecture takes careful reference from the beautiful, period house styles seen in Rothley, Quorn and Barrow upon Soar.
“Our tree lined walk, which is an integral element of our design, passes a nod to Leicester’s historic New Walk. Broadnook is firmly – and proudly – Leicestershire born and bred.”
Broadnook Garden Village will offer modern amenities, including plans for a community primary school, retail shops, care facilities and a new GP surgery. The village centre and amenities will, it is hoped, minimise the need for unnecessary use of a car within the Broadnook village.
It is expected that the Garden Village’s first residents will be welcomed in autumn 2024.
