Chase Homes – Building for Life

‘Building for Life’, the Government-endorsed standard for well designed homes, has awarded the Gold Standard to luxury housebuilder, Chase Homes for its design and development of ‘The Russells’; a mixed-use scheme of luxury homes, commercial property and sheltered housing accommodation, in the Cotswold village of Broadway, Worcestershire.

The housebuilder was one of just three across the country to receive the coveted Gold Standard and is the only developer from the Midlands to be recognised by this year’s judges.

Of Chase Homes and The Russells, Wayne Hemmingway, Building for life chair said: “The people who’ve made this development happen are heroes. Good schemes need leadership and someone who cares – this has it in spades”

Rod Ackrill, Chairman of Chase says:

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious national award; to be so well recognised by organisations such as CABE, English Partnerships and the Home Builders Federation is an honour.

“The fact that “The Russells” is the only Midlands recipient of this Standard and one of only three Nationally, makes this award even more special to us. I pay special tribute to our architects and the planners involved in the project and also to Wychavon District Council for working so hard to bring about a successful development

“The Russells is certainly one of Chase Homes’ showcase schemes and the receipt of Gold standard is a testament to the innovative design, quality and attention to detail that goes into each of our developments.”

The Russells

The Russells is situated in the picturesque village of Broadway, Worcestershire. It comprises 56 luxury homes, a commercial section and a sheltered housing element of 23 homes - all architecturally designed to blend into its Cotswold surroundings.

Formerly the site of the Gordon Russell Furniture Company, this 4.5 acre plot was put up for redevelopment after the furniture manufacturer moved away, leaving behind it a dilapidated collection of factories and grade II listed buildings.

Located in a world heritage centre, the redevelopment of this site was a sensitive issue. From the outset it was clear to Chase that the development had to flow smoothly from the village centre and follow the build pattern of Broadway’s famous High Street. The result is a truly special development that is both visually powerful and of great benefit to the local community.

The development was recently visited by HRH The Duke of Kent who said “It is probably one of the best developments I’ve seen. It’s very similar to Poundbury”.

Building for Life

The Building for Life Standard is the Government-endorsed benchmark for well-designed housing and neighbourhoods. It is led by CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, and the Home Builders Federation, and supported by English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and Design For Homes.

The Building for Life standard is awarded to housebuilders and housing associations who demonstrate a commitment to high design standards, good place making and sustainable development.