East Wales Officials Join Councillors for Herefordshire Construction Start
Persimmon Homes East Wales marked a significant milestone in its latest residential project, Hawthorn Park, located in Leominster, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by key local dignitaries. The event, held at the development site, saw the Deputy Leader of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, and Councillor Allan Williams, representing Leominster West, join representatives from the five-star housebuilder to officially acknowledge the commencement of groundworks for the much-anticipated 353-unit housing scheme.
The Hawthorn Park development promises to deliver a diverse range of energy-efficient homes, encompassing one, two, three, four, and five-bedroom properties. Notably, 88 of these homes will be transferred to a local housing association, contributing to the provision of affordable housing within the community. While specific pricing details for the properties are expected to be announced in the near future, prospective homebuyers can anticipate the opening of the showhome and the official sales launch to occur in June of this year.
A key feature of the Hawthorn Park development is its strong emphasis on sustainability. All homes constructed will be equipped with solar panels, aligning with the growing demand for energy-efficient living and contributing to reduced carbon footprints for future residents. Furthermore, Persimmon Homes has demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility by investing over £500,000 in nutrient neutrality credits. This significant investment ensures that the development will not negatively impact the delicate ecosystem of the River Wye and its tributaries, addressing crucial environmental concerns within the region.
Beyond providing much-needed housing, the Hawthorn Park development is poised to inject substantial financial contributions into the local community. Persimmon Homes is set to contribute £1.8 million towards various community enhancements, including provisions for local education, recycling facilities, sports facilities, transport improvements, and attenuation measures. These financial contributions underscore the developer’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting legacy within Leominster.
Nestled within the historic market town of Leominster, the Hawthorn Park development offers residents a unique blend of tranquil living and convenient access to urban amenities. The site’s location provides easy walking distance to the town’s charming and historic streets, which boast a diverse array of independent shops, well-regarded schools, supermarkets, and essential amenities.
Leominster itself is a town rich in medieval heritage and characterized by its elegant Georgian architecture. Complementing its historical charm, the town benefits from modern transport links, making it an ideal base for commuters seeking connectivity to surrounding areas. For leisure and recreation, residents will find themselves within a short drive of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor exploration. The wider county of Herefordshire also presents a wealth of attractions, ranging from impressive castles steeped in history to picturesque parks and gardens.
Lee Hawker, the Managing Director of Persimmon Homes East Wales, expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved at the Hawthorn Park site. “We’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made at Hawthorn Park and it was great to welcome Councillors Swinglehurst and Williams to view the site,” he commented. Hawker emphasized the company’s dual objectives for the development, stating, “Our aim is to deliver high-quality homes for local people in Leominster, while also creating lasting benefits for the community, including new jobs and investment. We value working closely with local stakeholders to ensure a positive legacy for the area.” He further added, “Persimmon looks forward to launching our showhome on site and opening up to customers later this year,” signaling the imminent availability of these new homes.
Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, the Deputy Leader of Herefordshire Council and Cabinet Member for the Environment, conveyed her positive impressions of the development. “It was a pleasure to see Persimmon’s site and the amount of activity going on to bring these new, much-needed homes to Leominster,” she stated. Councillor Swinglehurst acknowledged the pressing need for increased housing, particularly for younger generations, highlighting the significance of the Hawthorn Park project: “We know we need more housing, especially for younger people, and the delivery of a major site like this in Herefordshire will be of great benefit to the community.” She also commended the sustainability features incorporated into the development, noting, “It is also very encouraging to hear of the sustainability and environmental features of the properties coming forward, which will benefit residents through lower bills too.”
Councillor Allan Williams, representing Leominster West, echoed the positive sentiments and praised Persimmon Homes’ collaborative approach. “I am very pleased with Persimmon’s open attitude, inviting myself along to see progress at Hawthorn Park, and to see the progress being made on site,” he commented. Councillor Williams also acknowledged the developer’s recent achievement, stating, “I was also impressed to learn of their renewed five-star HBF status recently too, which will give confidence to the local community that the developer is of a high standard.” He further emphasized the importance of community engagement, saying, “Maintaining the relationship between the local community and the developer is very important to make sure things run as smoothly as possible for people in Leominster, and it is positive to have this line of communication going forward.”
The groundbreaking ceremony at Persimmon Homes’ Hawthorn Park development signifies a significant step forward in bringing new, sustainable, and community-focused housing to Leominster. The collaboration between the developer and local council leaders underscores a shared commitment to addressing housing needs while fostering positive community growth and environmental responsibility. As the project progresses towards its showhome opening and sales launch in June, anticipation is building for the arrival of these much-needed homes in the heart of Herefordshire. The development promises not only quality housing but also a significant boost to the local economy and community infrastructure, creating a vibrant and sustainable living environment for future residents.
