Wynyard Park’s green dream

The developer of Wynyard Park is embarking on a bold new plan that could see the creation of a 2000 home eco-village on the site.

The scheme would be in addition to plans announced by Wynyard Park Ltd last month for £450M of investment in three million square feet of office space, designed to anticipate demand at the site over the next 15 to 20 years and creating 10,000 jobs.

Now the company wants to provide housing too, helping it achieve its aim of a  a high quality mixed use development where home, work and leisure exist side by side.

Chief Executive Chris Musgrave said that such a mix was vital to the sustainability of the community being created on the site and had always been part of the longer-term vision for Wynyard Park.

A team of property experts is currently finalising the proposal for a development of environmentally-friendly housing to be built on the prestigious 700 acre site located between Stockton and Hartlepool.

Explained Chris: “The housing development will complement the business and leisure aspects of the site that are already well under way. They are included in our new Masterplan as, we believe, a natural progression to increasing the sustainability of the whole area - jobs first, then services for those who work here and then homes.”

He added: “We intend to build something that is right for the area. If we can make it work, it will bring huge benefits to the Tees Valley region both economically and socially and that will be positive for the whole community.”

So keen is Wynyard Park Ltd to create an eco-friendly residential environment that it has appointed a Sustainable Development Director to oversee the project.

Ranald Boydell, who has held similar roles with major PLCs, believes Wynyard Park will be at the frontline of eco-friendly residential development in the UK.

It will encompass highly energy efficient buildings, renewable energy systems, water capture and reuse, sustainable transport solutions, and protect and enhance the sites ecological features. These include the 300 acres of woodland where footpaths, nature trails, cycle ways will be created for the whole community to access and enjoy.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to create a sustainable development starting from a clean slate,” commented Ranald.

“The government has set carbon emission targets consistent with various EU Directives and the Kyoto protocol. Those targets are achievable but it will mean taking some very big steps forward, not just fiddling around the edges. With the scale of this development, we can take those big steps.

“The technology exists to create carbon neutral communities: you just need the will to make them happen and I believe Wynyard Park has that,” he added.

Chris Musgrave added: “We know we have to look closely at transport issues and work with the relevant agencies and local authorities to address any potential problems.

 “Ultimately we are looking to create an easy, pleasant and inviting environment to work and live in that is pedestrian friendly and promotes sustainable means of transport.”