Nestled in rural Hampshire and on the site of a derelict former Second World War military hospital, you will find Victory Oak – a development that has created 210 new homes for local people.
As part of our commitment to placemaking, we look to create destinations in locations that will expand hearts and minds; we saw the potential this development could offer residents – exploration and escapism in the adjacent Hurn Forest, refreshing sandy walks along the nearby coastal lines, all ground in the rich heritage of the land.
And our placemaking commitment doesn’t just stop at people – situated near to an SSSI nature reserve and home to protected wildlife, we wanted to add to this picturesque landscape, not takeaway, which meant ecology was high on the development agenda.
Inspired by the location, it’s heritage and the natural landscape we created a community-led development, providing purpose-built homes for a mix of tenures and people to reflect the natural diversity of the space.
Each fully insulated timber framed home was built to exacting standards with efficiency and ECO standards at the core. Every home has solar panels fitted as standard, together with quality double glazed windows and thermally efficient insulation throughout, meaning the homes are not only built sustainably but are sustainable for the community too.
In the middle of the development is a park, complete with a children’s play area to act as a focal meeting point for families and wildlife alike. It has become a destination for local children and families to gather for celebrations and events - the sound of chatter and laughter quickly becoming the developments birdsong and communities’ heartbeat.
A stoic oak tree, the custodian of the land and developments namesake, watches proudly over Victory Oak. Planted by the American Army to mark the end of World War Two, not only do the roots run deep through the development but many of the roads have been named after the D Day beaches.
Victory Oak has become a popular place to live for growing families and first-time buyers. And just like a fine wine, as the planting and regrowth evolves the development blends further into the natural landscapes, not only creating homes for people but creating its own place in the world.