Former Navy arsenal ‘blueprint for green living’
HISTORIC Priddy’s Hard in Gosport – 39 homes on a derelict arsenal for the Royal Navy – has been applauded as a blueprint for green living, scooping the much-coveted title of Best Sustainable Development at The WhatHouse? Awards 2021.
Judges recognised that regeneration of Priddy’s Hard
Overlooking a tidal lake on Portsmouth Harbour and with nautical history all around, the sustainability showcase boasts an abundance of wildlife, military museum, micro-brewery and a pub.
Neo-classical townhouses mix with bold and contemporary designs from the drawing board of John Pardey Architects.
With modern method of construction – MMC – the mode of build, Elite NuGen set up its own timber factory (Elite Offsite) next to the development, maximising efficiencies. Renewable energy systems, the lightest of carbon footprints in the building materials and the latest technology are all in the mix with the smartest of eco-homes that embody the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) agenda.
The wider Gosport peninsula partnership project is a £30 million scheme between Elite and the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust. As well as the first phase of 39 new homes, the development includes the refurbishment of Grade II listed buildings and a drive to create jobs and a mixed-use community to ignite the region.
Priddy’s Hard is surrounded by a Site of Special Scientific Interest, including a special protection area for birds and a wetland site of international importance, with wildlife – including the greater crested newt – where necessary, delicately rehoused, while flood management at the site has been critical, too.
The judges said: “It is rare to find a housing development that oozes such environmental conscience and eco-authenticity, but Elite NuGEN’s Priddy’s Hard on the Gosport peninsula achieves just that. It has green living excellence in spades.”
The WhatHouse? Awards – dubbed the Oscars of the housebuilding industry – showcases and celebrates the brightest stars in the housing sector, honouring those who build Britain’s best homes. Now in their 41st year, the glittering ceremony took place at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, where the winners of the 21 categories were announced. The complete report can be viewed here >> https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.whathouse.com/2021/WHA21/WHA21_JudgesReport_web.pdf
PICTURED BY SHOWHOUSE: Winners celebrate awards
