Branstone Farm, the new sustainable development in the heart of the Arreton valley, was named Construction Project of the Year at this year’s prestigious Central South Business Awards.
Judges praised the innovative scheme for its cohesive, vibrant and sustainable locality that is of real and lasting benefit to the local community.
On receiving the accolade, joint site developers, the Isle of Wight Council and Vectis Housing Association, paid tribute to the substantial contribution from key stakeholders involved in the project.
This includes Trevor Jones Consulting, Stonehams, ARID and ERMC among others.
Ashman: Immensely proud of the whole team
Chris Ashman, the council’s director of regeneration, said,
“I am immensely proud of the whole team that has come together to take this important regeneration project from an embryonic idea to what we see today.
“By ‘whole team’, I would like to take a moment to recognise the endeavours and commitment of all our stakeholders and partners, and every individual.
“Together we have overcome unexpected challenges as we innovated and implemented the scheme, but also shared the celebrations, be they small or large-scale, and wonderful achievements such as this Central Business South Award – it belongs to every single person who is an essential, important and valued part of this ‘team’.”
A template for regeneration
Branstone Farm acts as a template for regeneration and sustainable development within the Isle of Wight biosphere.
Key to the development is affordable housing for Island people that will see energy efficient homes, thoughtfully designed to complement the natural setting of the semi-rural landscape. The first residents are due to move in at the end of October.
There are also business units with the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce as the initial tenant, a new brewery and visitor centre for the Island based Goddards Brewery, and a new open green space for all to enjoy thanks to the careful curation of The Common Space.
Pearl: Delighted when the Local Authority came on board
Martyn Pearl, chief executive at Vectis Housing Association, added,
“Branstone was always envisioned as offering the opportunity to create an extraordinary project. It would bring together high-quality homes with training, employment and the natural environment, fully reflecting the principles of the Biosphere designation awarded to the Island.
“We were delighted when the Local Authority bought into this and came on board to form the Branstone Partnership.
“Together, this has demonstrated that a collective vision focused on delivering what is best for the Island can achieve great things. We wanted to produce an exemplar scheme and I believe that this is what we have done.
“It is an added bonus to receive this award as an indication that this view is shared more widely across the sector and the Southeast region.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
