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We marked a major milestone on Thursday 22 October with a topping out ceremony at Willow Bank in New Earswick, celebrating the point at which the building reaches its highest point.
Willow Bank will provide 117 new affordable homes in the village. We are building the homes in partnership with Esh Construction. The ceremony brought together residents, students and their head teacher, colleagues, members of the construction team, councillors and the local MP to celebrate the progress made so far and look ahead to welcoming the first residents to their new homes.
Rich Thomas, Director of Assets & Investments from JRHT placed one of the final bricks on the roof element to officially “top out” the development, continuing a long-standing building tradition.
Rich Thomas also said “It's fantastic to reach this milestone and see the first home at Willow Bank taking shape. These are more than just new houses. They will become homes where people put down roots, raise families, build friendships and contribute to the community. New Earswick was founded on the belief that everyone should have access to a good-quality home, and Willow Bank is the next chapter in that story. We are proud to be creating affordable homes that will help people live well and be part of a thriving community for generations to come.”
Simon Woodward, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “Reaching this milestone at Willow Bank is a significant moment for us at Esh, reflecting the skills and knowledge of our team, and the valued partnership with Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.
“This scheme will make a real difference, and we’re proud to be delivering our flagship housing development in Yorkshire. These homes reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability, whilst putting the community at the heart of everything we do, and it’s amazing to be part of a project that will deliver lasting benefits in the area.”
Luke Charters MP said: “York is a brilliant place to live, but far too many people are being priced out of calling it home. That has to change. That’s why it was so exciting to visit Willow Bank and see these new homes taking shape. For the first time in 40 years, New Earswick is getting new general needs housing, with 117 homes planned. These aren't just bricks and mortar. They're places where people will put down roots, raise families and build their futures. It's brilliant to see Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust investing in New Earswick's future, and I look forward to seeing these homes come to life.”
Students from The Joseph Rowntree School, who helped name the streets and house types at Willow Bank, also attended the ceremony.
"I have enjoyed coming to the event today it’s been really fun.” said Poppy Pickard, Year 10 student at The Joseph Rowntree School. “It will be exciting to come back and see the street signs in place that we have helped name. “
New Earswick was founded by Joseph Rowntree in 1902 as a model village, and Willow Bank continues that legacy of providing quality homes in a thriving community. The design is inspired by the original garden village, while providing the comfort, accessibility and energy efficiency people expect from a modern home.
The first homes are expected to be ready for residents in 2027.
For further information about the development, click here
Image: From left to right: Martyn Atkinson, Construction Project Manager from JRHT, Jennie Walker, Development Project Manager from JRHT, Kate Miller, Development Project Manager from JRHT, Zoe Cowell, Business Development Manager from Esh Construction, Richard Nutall, Project Manager from Esh Construction, Nicky Smith, Assistant Construction & Liaison Project Manager from JRHT, Simon Woodward, Operations Director from Esh Construction, Jonathan Wake, Assistant Construction Project Manager from JRHT and Megan Simpson, Social Value Manager from Esh Construction.