Massive planting programme underway in preparation for first homes at RadioStation Rugby
Two of Europe’s largest available Willow trees arrived in Rugby on Thursday 31 March, to form the centrepiece of phase one of the development of RadioStation Rugby.
Developers of the urban extension on the eastern edge of Rugby, known locally as the Mast Site, are currently planting hundreds of trees on the first phase and the Willow’s form part of their first landscaped area, Dollman Common.
Lee Barratt, Project Manager for developer Urban&Civic said:
“We’re busy preparing the land ready for our first housebuilder who will begin building homes in summer this year. Part of this preparation is the creation of Dollman Common, which lies in front of the first homes and will greet people as they arrive at the development.
“There will be a pond, bridge, natural play, footpaths and of course lots of trees – 17 different species of trees to be precise. There will be fruit trees, semi mature oak trees and our two feature Willows.”
The Willow trees were transported on a large articulated lorry to the first phase site on the Crick Road in Hillmorton. They were lifted into place using specialist tree-moving equipment and expert landscapers.
“We have kept our landscapers very busy on phase one. As well as the extensive tree planting, we have also seeded over 3ha of wildflower grasslands, planted over 3km of new hedgerow and created 15ha of bespoke wildlife habitat. We are very fortunate to have some a luscious landscape to work and some interesting wildlife. We have great crested newts, curlews and owls as well as a large preserved area of medieval farming land Ridge and Furrow. With the enhancements we are making to this, it really will be a stunning place to live.”
As well as planting and landscaping for phase one, there is also work underway on the realignment of the A428 Crick Road and the creation of a new junction and roundabout into the development, which will be complete by the end of summer. The first roads on the development are also well advanced and the refurbishment of Dollman Farm will also be complete by the end of September. This area will become a courtyard community hub featuring a Visitors Centre, café and community centre.
6,200 new homes, 3 primary schools, one secondary school and an 8 GP health centre are planned for the site as well as extensive green and open space and around 14km of footpaths and cycleways. Work at RadioStation Rugby got underway in November 2015 and first homes will be underway in July.
