The major earthworks operation at Orbit’s Mickle Well Park site on the outskirts of Daventry, Northamptonshire have now been completed.
The major earthworks operation at Orbit’s Mickle Well Park site on the outskirts of Daventry, Northamptonshire have now been completed.
Due to the undulating nature of the 97-acre site, a specialist earthworks company was appointed to re-profile and re-engineer the site. The operation consisted of approximately 380,000m³ of earth being regraded and compacted with the use of heavy-duty machinery and specialist lime stabilisation compaction equipment. Under challenging wet weather conditions, the operation concluded within the 24-week programme.
The earthworks have been completed by Specialist Ground Engineering Ltd (SGE) and Managing Director, Brian Heron, explained: “The bulk earthworks scheme with its logistical, environmental and technical challenges has been both interesting and professionally rewarding. The SGE team had to call upon its substantial depth of knowledge of bulk earthworks and soil stabilisation, working closely with the Orbit team and Geotechnical Engineer to ensure a successful delivery of the works package.”
Additional facilitating works included the construction of a new 300mm concrete access track, diversion of Telecoms and HV electric overheads cables, a 4km Public Right of Way Diversion and formation of SUDS attenuation balancing ponds.
Andrew McDermott, Regional Managing Director for the Orbit Midlands region, said: “It’s exciting to see the earthworks ending as we now prepare to start the construction forming stage of this unique development. The Mickle Well Park site will provide a thriving community with a full range of housing options including at least 112 much needed affordable homes. The philosophy of this site aligns with Orbit’s new design standard aspirations and sustainability commitment.”
Mickle Well Park will comprise of 450 new homes of mixed tenure. The new houses will offer a mixture of apartments, bungalows and two to five-bedroom houses nestled within and attractive rural setting and ancient woodland.
Detailed Planning conditions for Phase 1 have been satisfied. An additional 2 apartments were approved under a Section 73 Application to give the total number of first Phase dwellings at 108, including 7 self-build parcels, community building, commercial and retail space together with a central local bus stop. Phase 1 offers contemporary style architecture, this transitions to of more traditionally styled homes within Phase 2 that consists of 344 further homes, Public Open Space, School Land, Allotments, New Canal Towpath, Outdoor Activity centre and a network of trim trails with cycle paths to connect the development.
A further £900,000 has been contributed to the Daventry Phoenix Sports Academy, helping it to raise funds from DDC and Sports England to modernise and expand its facilities.
Orbit’s Land and Technical teams are currently working on securing the strategic land to the North of the site. The Daventry District plan is to provide 13,000 new homes by 2040. Mickle Well Park is strategically placed for future expansion to the North of Daventry.
Infrastructure works will commence early in the new year seeing the formation of a new roundabout on Ashby Road together with a new network of site infrastructure including two new electric sub stations.