A Leicestershire housebuilder says its latest development will underpin around 550 jobs.
David Wilson Homes East Midlands said the jobs will be created during construction of 225 new homes at its Thorpebury site, close to Barkby Thorpe on the northern outskirts of Leicester.
The housebuilder, which is part of Coalville-based Barratt Developments, said it predominately employs local sub-contractors and tradesmen so local businesses and people will benefit directly from the jobs.
John Reddington, managing director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “Our new development in Thorpebury will provide much needed housing in the Charnwood area.
“This is also good news for the local economy with the local construction jobs underpinned by building the new homes.
“We aim to support local sub-contractors and tradesmen where possible to ensure the areas in which we build benefit directly from our developments.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Thorpebury in the Limes progress and our team at David Wilson Homes will take great satisfaction in helping more customers take their first or next step on the property ladder.”
The new development is close to Thurmaston shopping centre and six miles from Leicester city centre.
David Wilson is part of a consortium with two other Leicestershire housebuilders, Davidsons Homes and William Davis Homes , who are working on Thorpebury, which could eventually have 4, 500 properties.
The initial phase – known as Thorpebury-in-the-Limes – will provide housing, landscaping and green spaces including sports pitches, play areas, parkland and new walking and cycling routes.
A new road and temporary bridge have already been built with access from Hilltop Road, between Hamilton and Thurmaston, avoiding local villages.
Earthworks, infrastructure and utilities will be delivered between now and the end of the year and first homes will be ready in the late summer.
The developers said transport improvements will also be delivered in nearby Barkby and Barkby Thorpe to reduce speeds and make travel through the villages safer.
There will also be financial contributions made for new education provision and other transport improvements.
Some 900 acres of farmland north of Hamilton and east of Thurmaston has been earmarked for the new community.
This private-sector led development is forecast to create 3,500 construction jobs and 3,200 permanent jobs within the development, benefiting the local economy.
