Stuart GouldenA major new housing development in York had added to its list of early accolades after being awarded the Affordable Housing Development trophy at the Sunday Times British Homes Awards.
Derwenthorpe in Osbaldwick is a Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) led development that will eventually offer up to 540 high-quality environmentally-friendly and energy efficient homes – 40% of which are affordable housing with others specially designed for first time buyers, disabled people and elderly people.
The development’s designs draw on the rich architectural legacy of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s famous “model community” village at nearby New Earswick. Derwenthorpe, which is named after the Derwent Valley Light Railway that used to run along the site. will be an eco-friendly version of that century-old socially-inclusive vision. It also offers JRF an opportunity to explore the impact of ICT literacy and digital exclusion on poverty and social exclusion.
Talking to the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Ingram, Director of Development and Asset Management at Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust said: “Design quality, affordability, accessibility and energy efficiency have always been central to our ambition for an inclusive Derwenthorpe. With our partners, we have worked hard to provide affordable, high quality homes for a range of families in York so we are delighted that Derwenthorpe has been recognized in this way.”
The development has already picked up awards for Housing Design and Pride in the Job Quality.
Further information about Derwenthorpe can be found on the JRHT website.
