Work has officially commenced on the early delivery of a 1.5 mile link road connecting the 6,200 home urban extension at RadioStation Rugby, to the town.
Working together, master developer Urban&Civic (U&C), Aviva Investors and the government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) are bringing forward the construction of the link road, enabling a boost to local growth and the acceleration of housing delivery on the 1,200-acre site, co-owned by U&C and Aviva.
Dignitaries including MP for Rugby Mark Pawsey, Deputy Leader for Rugby Borough Council Cllr Heather Timms and Cllr Jeff Clarke from Warwickshire County Council joined Urban&Civic, the HCA and lead contractor Galliford Try, to formally launch the 18-month long project.
A key part of the planning permission granted to the 6,200 urban extension back in May 2014; the link road forges a strong link between the new place, now named Houlton, and Rugby, ensuring the town benefits from the economic growth brought about through the expansion. The road’s construction has commenced ahead of schedule as a result of Urban&Civic securing a government loan from the HCA.
The acceleration of the road makes land available for construction on two housing fronts, thereby fast-tracking the delivery of homes.
Connecting to an existing junction on the edge of the town centre, the road will get motorists from the development to Rugby train station and the town centre in less than 10 minutes. The route will also benefit from an off-road footpath and cycleway for more sustainable travel.
Richard Coppell, Development Director for Urban&Civic said: “This event marks a pivotal point in the project. Our ability to construct the road so early in the development brings many benefits for Houlton and the Borough. Its delivery comes at a time when we have three housebuilders now on site at Houlton and first residents expected at the end of the year. By the time the road is complete, we will have secured a start for a further three housebuilders on site.”
Lindsey Richards, Head of Planning, Enabling and Development at HCA said: “Unlocking this critical piece of infrastructure at Houlton is supporting the local authority’s ambitions for growth and enabling the developer to build homes faster – both key to our role working in local areas.
“It is great to see this strategic site gaining momentum and delivering the infrastructure to support much-needed homes and the first primary school for the residents.”
Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby and Bulkington said: “It is incredibly positive news that work on the new link road has commenced ahead of schedule. I have always argued for the road to be provided early in the development to help ensure that Houlton becomes a vibrant and integral part of Rugby, and that new Houlton residents are easily able to access Rugby town centre and quickly become part of the local community.”
As well as 6,200 homes, the Houlton development will also bring three primary schools and a secondary school, an eight-GP health centre, extensive walkways, cycleways and green spaces as well as commercial space and new business. The development will take some 15 years to deliver.
To find out more about the Houlton development, please visit: www.houltonrugby.co.uk