Flagship Growth Programme generating new homes, jobs and development opportunities
The Northern Arc, which is due to deliver 3,500 homes alongside infrastructure, schools, employment sites and new neighbourhood centres, is already generating significant opportunities in the region as a significant part of the Burgess Hill Growth Programme.
Providing an update on their flagship development at the Northern Arc, Graham Hyslop, Projects Director – South, Homes England, said the project is attracting investment to the area throughout the build process, helping to promote local employment and boost local businesses.
He told delegates that the first phase developed by Countryside Properties was progressing fast with residents due to move in shortly, while Bellway Homes is expected to start work on phase 2 in the autumn.
He added: "The scheme is delivering a substantial amount of on-site employment through construction opportunities, and we will be building for another 10-12 years, including the construction of highways, utilities, residential developments and employment sites. Our developer partners will be investing in staff through training and apprenticeship programmes, and we anticipate the creation of around 200 jobs per year"
"In the long-term, the scheme will contribute to employment through community uses – there are three schools on the site with their associated industries as well as local neighbourhood centres that will provide shops and retail employment opportunities. In addition, we currently have site 1e out to market which is 9.9 acres scheduled for 24,000 sq. m of employment development."
Delegates also heard that some of the phases had been created to appeal to both large and smaller developers, including a small site currently on the market with planning for 34 homes. Graham asked that any developers, consultants, small developers, and SMEs interested in the Northern Arc to make sure they had become members of the relevant Homes England panels so they could bid.
He concluded by saying that the real success of the Northern Arc would be happy residents, and that would be down to the partners creating a place where people want to live and work.
"I look forward to the day when residents can live at the Northern Arc and can cycle or walk to the Science and Technology Park – it would be a wonderful way to combine the two schemes."