Party time at Dickens Heath

It was party time for residents of Dickens Heath, near Solihull, when Redrow Homes threw a bash to celebrate the development’s 10th anniversary. Hundreds of people attended the family event hosted by the award-winning housebuilder and enjoyed sparkling drinks, a hog roast and birthday cake as well as the chance to take a tethered ride in the striking Redrow hot air balloon.

Younger guests were treated to a balloon race, bouncy castle and a visit from Redrow mascot, Buster the Bear.

Maxine Conway, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (Midlands), welcomed guests, and radio star Graham Torrington, of BRMB’s “Late Night Love” show, played the role of MC.

Maxine says: “It was a privilege to welcome residents of Dickens Heath to the party, which was a great success.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone who attended had a great time.

“It has been a pleasure to watch Dickens Heath grow over the past 10 years into a vibrant community that residents are proud to be part of.

“With its shops, outdoor spaces and community meeting places, Dickens Heath is an extremely pleasant and desirable place to live.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Gary Allport and Gail Thompson also attended the event, which marks a decade of house building by a consortium of developers in conjunction with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

Councillor Allport said: "From its very first planning stages, Dickens Heath promised to be an exciting new village development within Solihull.

“Now ten years on that promise has been fulfilled and the village has become an aspirational place to live.

“There is a real community atmosphere to the village and it was a pleasure to meet everyone who has chosen to make this their home.

“Redrow homes are to be commended for marking the occasion and all the people that we saw were clearly having a good time."

Over the last 10 years Dickens Heath has become home to around 3,000 people and Redrow has built around half of the 1,200 planned homes.

The brand new settlement alongside the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal also includes a primary school, village centre with shops and restaurants, a library, medical centre and community hall.

The original masterplan laid down certain principles for Dickens Heath. It aimed to create a clear identity, giving residents a sense of belonging; to echo the development of a traditional village by creating homes, recreation, shops and open space as well as social and educational facilities; to accommodate a wide range of housing, from first time buyers to larger family housing, as well as smaller units for older people, to create a mixed and diverse community; and, finally, to create a pleasant environment for pedestrians where cars did not dominate.

Add to this the proximity of Solihull town centre, as well as the Touchwood retail complex with its shops, restaurants, bars and a multiplex cinema, plus the fact that Birmingham city centre is only eight miles away, and it’s easy to see why Dickens Heath has been so popular.

The party also marked the launch of ‘Aquatude’, Redrow’s latest and final phase of homes within the new village.

‘Aquatude’ offers a range of 97 sleek, luxury, one and two-bedroom apartments, and a clutch of penthouses, which will appeal to young professionals and investors. Many of the apartments will boast balconies, either Juliet or walk-on, some overlooking the canal.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment, with ensuite and double parking space, start at £162,950.

For more information on Aquatude log onto Redrow.co.uk.