Councillor Peter Wade, Mayor of Havant, was guest of honour at the official opening of a 30-acre greenspace at Barratt Homes’ Harbour Place development in Bedhampton.

Declaring the green space open, Councillor Wade planted a tree at the site, which includes public open spaces, allotments, footpaths, lawns, a children’s play area, sustainable drainage features and a protected area for wildlife.

There was also a family fun day held at Harbour Place last week as part of the opening where more than 200 people from the local community attended and enjoyed celebrations, games and coffee on tap.

They also got to enjoy everything the greenspace has to offer including 31,000 bee-friendly shrubs and trees, 15,682 new sapling hedgerows, 9 acres of wildflower meadows and six biodiversity areas with ponds. Insect hotels, ‘hogitats’ for hedgehogs and swift bricks are also bringing native wildlife into residents’ gardens.

As part of its commitment to being the most sustainable national housebuilder, Barratt David Wilson Homes is working to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of at least 10% on all its developments, more than a year ahead of government deadlines. The Harbour Place development has 20% BNG.

Councillor Wade said: “The ponds within the wonderful greenspace at Harbour Place will be hotspots for biodiversity, enticing lots of wildlife, as well as giving residents more ways to enjoy nature on their doorstep.” 

James Dunne, Managing Director of Barratt Homes Southampton Division, added: “It was an honour to welcome the Lord Mayor of Havant to the opening of our extensive greenspace at Harbour Place today.

“At Barratt Homes, we do more than build modern homes and beautiful developments. We design sustainable and energy-efficient places to live that enhance and support the environment.