Willmott Dixon to deliver £22m housing project

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rugby Borough Council to deliver a £22m project to create 100 new affordable homes. 

The Biart Place scheme, located on Clifton Road in Rugby, will comprise 60 one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside 20 two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as 20 maisonettes. 

The properties will benefit from renewable energy generated by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, with electric vehicle charging points also available to residents.

The scheme has been part-funded by several grants, with Willmott Dixon’s development team supporting the council in obtaining a £6.8m grant from Homes England under its Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, alongside a further £2m from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership via the government’s Getting Building Fund.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “These affordable homes will provide much-needed provision in the area, while also delivering sustainable homes which are low carbon and energy efficient. 

“The development is just part of the regeneration efforts taking place in Rugby and will deliver high-quality modern homes, helping to make the area a more attractive place for locals to stay and for others to consider relocating to.”

Willmott Dixon has been appointed via the Constructing West Midlands Capital Works Framework, which helps procure works that will help the region make its vision for the future a reality.   

Designed by architects RG+P, the scheme echoes the Victorian-era housing on the surrounding streets with a focus on creating a sense of place for tenants. 

Councillor Tim Willis, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, homes, digital and communications, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Willmott Dixon to deliver our ambitious plans to develop Biart Place and build 100 new, social rent homes for Rugby.

“With support from Homes England and the Government’s Getting Building Fund, we have prioritised building modern, energy efficient homes for our tenants while ensuring the design of the development both complements the site’s Victorian surroundings and lays the foundations for a new, thriving community at Biart Place.”

This latest announcement follows on from news last month where Torbay Council said they were appointing Willmott Dixon’s development team to accelerate delivery of several sites in Paignton and Torquay.