Local residents, councils, community groups and charities came together at Hartland Village last month to celebrate an important early milestone in the creation of this new community in the Hampshire countryside.
More than 30 acres of concrete have now been broken out, 100% of which will be crushed and reused during the regeneration of this long disused site, which was once home to a world class engineering facility where the jet engine was pioneered.
St Edward has now created a striking feature lake, crossed by a traditional brick humpback bridge, with the reed beds and borders carefully designed to provide valuable natural habitats.
The first two showhomes have also been built at Hartland Village, overlooking the lakes and set within a wider network of new green open spaces and long established woodland. This biodiverse landscape includes a variety of native plants, shrubs and trees, which are being chosen to sustain local wildlife and to provide a beautiful backdrop throughout each changing season.
In the coming years Hartland Village will grow to include a 100 acre network of nature-rich open spaces, including a 70 acre Country Park and 6 miles of trails. The project will deliver a significant increase in local biodiversity and create a place where local people and visitors of all ages can enjoy a beautiful natural setting.
Once complete there will be 1,500 mixed tenure homes and a bustling village centre with a traditional green, community hall, shops and places to eat, drink and enjoy local life. There will also be a new primary school and nursery within the village and St Edward has appointed a dedicated Community Advisor to help new arrivals get to know each other and settle in.
Representatives from The Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Fleet Beekeeping Association, Farnborough College, two local charities, Hart District Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Fleet Town Council and St Edward visited the site to celebrate the unveiling of the new bridge and the evolving landscape.
A ceremonial plaque was installed to mark the occasion and Berkeley Group Chairman, Tony Pidgley CBE, officially thanked the many local partners for helping St Edward to shape and deliver the vision for Hartland Vision.
Find out more at www.hartland-village.co.uk
The Berkeley Group website provides more information on the company's approach to supporting nature recovery and establishing strong local communities.