Development becomes second in country to achieve BREEAM certificate

Derby’s £100m Castleward scheme has become only the second development in the country to achieve accreditation from BRE for its overall sustainability.

Castleward, which is currently undergoing redevelopment by Compendium Living to become a new residential neighbourhood, has achieved a ‘good’ certification under the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Communities following a voluntary assessment.

The BREEAM Communities assessment measures the sustainability of new large-scale developments at the master planning stage, with certification awarded to projects where economic, social and environmental sustainability are being carefully considered.

Castleward involves the redevelopment of 30 acres of brownfield land between Derby Midland Station and Westfield shopping centre, which will become a brand new community of sustainable homes and businesses. In total, Compendium Living will create 800 new homes and 34,500sqft of commercial space, while the existing footpath currently linking the railway station to the city centre will become a tree-lined boulevard.

Work on phase one has been underway since November and it will include 163 residential units, approximately 16,500sqft of commercial space, a boulevard and a new urban park over approximately five acres of land.

Dave Bullock, Managing Director at Compendium Living, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Castleward and we are proud to be one of the first development projects in the country to receive this accreditation, which highlights our efforts to put sustainability at the forefront of this redevelopment. Whilst construction of Castleward is still very much in its infancy, this recognition shows that we are leading the way in innovative neighbourhood development and demonstrates that our vision for the area will contribute positively to the long-term future of Derby city centre.”

Paul Bayliss, Leader of Derby City Council, said: "Achieving the BREEAM certificate is a positive step and is an accreditation to be proud of. It shows that creating innovative, sustainable homes and businesses is a priority for us.”

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has supported the Castleward project since its inception and financed property acquisitions to advance the first phase of development.

Kate Reid, HCA Area Manager for Midlands North, said: “This achievement shows that Castleward is set to be a distinctive place that will enhance the quality of life in Derby. As well as providing an important gateway to the city, we’ve always wanted the development to offer wider benefits to all residents and visitors to Derby. Our industry has to respond to climate change and this accreditation will help put Derby on the map and attract interest from others striving to create sustainable places.”

BREEAM has become the world’s leading environmental assessment method for buildings since it was first launched in 1990. The BREEAM Communities standard, originally published in 2008, has been re-launched in 2012 as a significantly streamlined version that is up-to-date with the National Planning Policy Framework.

The standard looks at sustainability holistically, helping developers, local authorities and design teams to plan and build high quality communities that are vibrant, safe and environmentally friendly.

Helen Pineo, BREEAM Communities manager said: “We are pleased to see Castleward achieve this certification. Using BREEAM Communities helped the developer and project team work with the local authority to ensure that the development will be designed sustainably, creating a place that is better for the community, local environment and business.”