Orbit celebrates as Arden Quarter development hits highest point

Orbit celebrated reaching its highest point of build at Arden Quarter with a symbolic topping out ceremony at its prime location neighbouring the town’s train station.

The housing developer was joined by Nadhim Zahawi MP, Council leader Tony Jefferson, Councillor Peter Richards and Mayor John Bicknell to officiate the event.

Orbit celebrated reaching its highest point of build at Arden Quarter with a symbolic topping out ceremony at its prime location neighbouring the town’s train station.

The housing developer was joined by Nadhim Zahawi MP, Council leader Tony Jefferson, Councillor Peter Richards and Mayor John Bicknell to officiate the event.

Due to be completed by early 2020, the £40 million development will offer 189 homes for sale, affordable rent, shared ownership, help to buy and retirement living for people aged 55-plus.

With the plans including open space and public amenities, the new development will also offer a pocket park, play area, and commercial spaces alongside the new homes.

Commenting on the topping out ceremony, Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-on-Avon, said: Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-upon-Avon, said: “It is great to be here again to mark yet another great milestone for Arden Quarter. I remember when I was presented with the plans for the site and being very impressed with Orbit’s proposal so it is amazing to see the progress made so far.

“The art project with Stratford High School opposite the station car park looks fantastic and is a testament to Orbit’s investment in Stratford and its local community.”

George Obeng-Manu, Development Contracts Director at Orbit, said: “We are delighted to mark this significant milestone in the development and celebrate the hard work that has gone into this incredible project so far. It is quite timely too as today we have been named the third largest housebuilder in the sector.

“Arden Quarter is an important development for both Orbit and Stratford-upon-Avon. The site stood empty after the closure of the cattle market in 2001 but after working closely with Stratford District Council our regeneration project is transforming the vast site into a high quality, residential-led gateway providing aspirational yet affordable homes for all generations to enjoy.”

Karl Tupling, general manager for the Midlands for Homes England, said: "Homes England has played a vital role in facilitating the redevelopment of this former cattle market site. Over £2million of Homes England funding has been invested to enable the development, which is not only providing shared ownership and affordable housing but also retirement living properties to meet the needs of the older local community and we are delighted to join Orbit to celebrate this milestone.”

The sales and marketing suite is opening to the public tomorrow. This weekend, it is open from Saturday 30 June to Monday 2 July from 10am to 5pm. Following this, it will be open Thursday – Monday, 10am to 5pm.