Warwick residents set to benefit from new public open space

A major new residential development site in Warwick has reached a key milestone with the opening and adoption of the public open spaces by Warwick District Council.

The Europa Way Consortium comprising The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, Warwick; the Charity of Thomas Oken and Nicholas Eyffler and the Gardner Trust have handed over the newly created 25 acre Myton Green Park to Warwick District Council and 'the people of Warwick for their safekeeping'.

The charities and trusts have brought forward the landscaped corridor and park as part of the residential development of their land off Europa Way.

Myton Green is a 96 acre residential development site made up 735 new homes.

Over 25 acres of the site is public open space and green infrastructure with six equipped play areas including a multi-use games pitch with five-aside football and basketball court, a 4,500 metre network of new footpaths and cycleways along with the planting of more than 250 specimen trees.

In addition, a further 17.5 acres of land has been gifted to Warwickshire County Council for the provision of education facilities.

This development would not have been possible without the ownership of two of Warwick’s oldest charities who have been working on the delivery of this site since 1992.

Michael Peachey from The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust said: “We have been committed from the outset to providing first class public open space on this site.

"The Covid pandemic has shown how the benefits of fresh air, open leisure space and quality play equipment is essential to health and well-being.

“We are pleased after a long journey and having worked closely with Warwick District Council that local residents are now able to access this space following its adoption, and that existing and future residents will have enjoyment from these areas for many years to come.”

Catesby Estates was appointed to deal with the reserved matters application, and subsequent serviced land parcel sales to Avant, Miller, Bovis and Redrow Homes.

They were also responsible for delivering the public open space works and site infrastructure including the creation of a new tree-lined community spine road which will eventually link Europa Way with Gallows Hill.

Myron Osborne, chief executive at Catesby Estates, said: “We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and have worked in partnership with the Consortium, Warwickshire District Council and other local stakeholders to ensure Myton Green will be a vibrant extension to the existing community.

“We have a first class reputation for bringing forward land for high quality, sustainable housing developments.

"The early installation of infrastructure means housebuilders are able to bring forward the construction of new homes and residents benefit from earlier occupation dates and more established recreational and wildlife areas.”

Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, Warwick District Council's portfolio holder for neighbourhood and culture, said: “I’m delighted to see that this open space is now available for the new residents of Myton Green.

"Our green spaces have never been more important than they have this year, and to make them available to residents at such an early stage of the development is testament to the positive working relationships between the Council, Consortium and Catesby Estates.”

“The play areas and open space are of high quality and provide a wonderful new area for families of all ages to enjoy.”