The UK housing industry is taking a giant leap forward, with the country’s largest ever “Zero Bills” development launching in Newport, Essex. The result of an innovative, long-term partnership between award-winning five-star housebuilder The Hill Group and Octopus Energy, the development – Hollymead Square – will deliver 89 homes that are so energy efficient they have received the coveted Octopus Zero Bills ‘stamp’. As a result, buyers won’t receive energy bills for five years, guaranteed through Octopus’ world-first smart tariff.
Hollymead Square is a blueprint for future energy-efficient housing developments, showcasing how the homebuilding and energy industries can come together to achieve outstanding results that support the UK’s transition to a net zero future with tangible, actionable improvements.
Each property at Hollymead Square features solar panels, storage and smart tech – all optimised by Octopus. Launching Saturday 20th January, the development will provide two-bedroom bungalows and two- to five-bedroom houses, 64 of which will be for private sale. All homes will be kitted out with a heat pump, solar panels and a battery, which enables the Zero Bills accreditation.
Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “We are proud to be showcasing the future of UK housing here at Hollymead Square. As well as supporting families to save thousands of pounds on their energy costs over the next five years, we hope that our progressive work with the energy sector through our partnership with Octopus is something that will inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Sustainability has been at the heart of designing the UK’s largest Zero Bills development. New build homes have already been recognised for their environmental and cost-saving potential, with the Home Builders Federation’s Watt a Save report from July 2023 finding that the average new build homeowner saves £2,200 per year on their energy bills.[1] And, new build owners are also collectively reducing carbon emissions by an impressive 500,000 tonnes.
In addition to the properties’ green credentials and lack of energy bills, Hollymead Square is set to delight homebuyers in many ways. The development includes green open space for all owners to enjoy, with selected homes dotted around the boundary, while the lovely gardens of Audley End House & Gardens are a short drive away. Access to local schools is easy too, with Newport Primary and Joyce Frankland Academy both in close proximity.
For commuters, the development provides easy access to Cambridge and London, as well as the North of the UK, with Newport station within walking distance. Additional amenities, which are also within walking distance, include Dorringtons Bakery, Newport Pharmacy and the new Anglian Leisure Joyce Frankland sports centre. The latter provides a gym and fitness suite with Zumba, circuits, HIIT and Boxercise classes, plus AstroTurf and indoor and outdoor courts for badminton, tennis, basketball and more – ideal for an active family lifestyle.
The variety of properties available at Hollymead Square means there is something for everyone, from single buyers and couples to large families seeking plenty of space. The contemporary interiors will suit a range of tastes, while different layouts provide scope for home working among other family-friendly uses. And all with the peace of mind that comes with having zero energy bills for the next five years.
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