Brick Award winner 2023: Housebuilder category
Ockley Park is an impressive new development in the heart of Hassocks village. The 110,000 sq. ft site contains a mixture of private and affordable housing, including buy-to-let properties. There will eventually be 500 homes, including 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom houses. Developers Taylor Wimpey have therefore catered for a diverse range of residents, including families, professionals commuting to Brighton and London, and those stepping onto the property ladder for the very first time.
Stunning green spaces surround these attractive new homes. But the idyllic countryside location is far from remote: it’s just a short walk into Hassocks village, which has a host of amenities, schools and good rail links. The development also has a genuine sense of community with residents enjoying a community park and orchard.
The eye-catching scheme was designed to respond to the local surroundings as well as cater for modern living. From the buff riven concrete slabs to the turfed rear gardens, the development feels modern yet at ease in its traditional rural environment.
The choice of bricks - Ibstock’s Surrey County Red with projecting Staffordshire Slate Blue Smooth - were integral to creating the desired aesthetic. The red bricks, which are perforated and wire-cut with a light texture, reflect the village location. Meanwhile, the contrasting Staffs Slate Blues provide visual interest and create a more urban and contemporary aesthetic.
The homes at Ockley Park were also designed with sustainability in mind. The specification includes Air Source Heat Pumps, triple glazing, water heat recovery, PVs and EV charging points. Meanwhile, as part of a planning agreement with Mid Sussex Council, Taylor Wimpey are investing more than £6 million in local community services and infrastructure.
Finally, the development also serves a community need. Hassocks was identified as an area with a severe shortage of rental properties. Ockley Park will help to remedy this situation. Furthermore, with its plethora of amenities and abundance of open space, the development will be a sustainable and inspiring place to live for a cross-section of society.