Udimore Road, Rye
Location: Rye, East Sussex
Client: AronCorp (with Orbit Homes)
Value: £22m
Coinciding with award of contract, the economy swiftly, and most unfortunately, plummeted into decline as the global recession of 2008 took hold, meaning client confidence was understandably fragile and leaving the future of the development in question. Jenner worked collaboratively and sympathetically with our client to establish a suitable phased delivery programme which aligned with potential sales demands and available funding, to maintain development viability by avoiding over-stocking and which ultimately kept the contract alive and able to proceed.
In total 192 homes were delivered allowing a 30% affordable housing allocation with the majority of homes delivered for private market sale. Designed to be tenure-blind to ensure the development complimented its surrounding region, the homes were delivered to an exceptional quality with a new England vernacular. The scheme consisted of a multitude of housing types and sizes from interlinked terrace units to multiple bedroomed semi- and detached larger family homes interspersed with modern open-plan apartment-style living to offer variety and appeal to a broad target audience amidst tough trading times for the housing market.
Despite the incredibly challenging economic climate that ensued thanks to a proactive approach the development continued with delivery timescales ever-changing and carefully programmed to suit client aspirations. Phased delivery proved to be logistically challenging as subcontractor trades for both the sub and super structures were carefully controlled phase-by-phase with sub-instruction within each phase and paused as required. Careful coordination and consistent management by the Jenner team was fundamental to control the elongated delivery programme which stretched from 2007 through to 2016.
Developing within a natural valley, the topography of the greenfield site proved challenging as construction was required to follow the natural contours of the undulating landscape and the design was adapted accordingly to create an overall masterplan of the 27 acre site that offered distinct character with a rustic yet modernised feel. The timber-framed new homes offered best value via the most efficient critical build path and were installed with MVHR systems ensuring they would be fit-for-purpose and energy efficient in occupation.
Given the scale of the investment significant infrastructure was required to facilitate the new homes and which included a substantial access roundabout at the entrance to the site to accommodate increased traffic flow generated by the increase housing as well as pedestrian walkways and landscaped green areas throughout the site.
Ecology was a major consideration for the site with pre-construction surveys identifying the presence of newts, slow-worms and other protected reptiles on the site which all posed the potential for further delays to construction. Hibernacula were installed to offer refuge and safety for the protected species with additional protective fencing erected to further safeguard the wildlife.
Strong client-contractor relations were fundamental to deliver such a sizeable housing development in this phased manner and the patience and understanding of our trusted local supply chain allowed us the freedom to respond so proactively to our client’s bespoke delivery needs.
