Millfield Green

Our team in the Midlands have delivered Millfield Green, a multi-million pound net-zero in operation (regulated) retirement village for Inspired Villages and Legal & General Capital. Phase one includes 80 apartments at the centre of the sustainable village complex and one assisted living block that comprises of six one and two-bedroom apartments.

There is a five-year development programme that will run across four phases, with the whole scheme (worth a GVA of £120m) creating 200 apartments. The new homes will help tackle a major issue laid out in the South Bedfordshire Local Plan, which identified a need for 9,050 new dwellings for people over 55 years of age.

The site also has communal areas available, including leisure and fitness facilities, a bar, restaurant, entertainment suite and ancillary community space at the village’s centre. Leisure and fitness facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, gym, yoga deck, exercise studio, library, craft room, bar, café and bike and buggy stores with charging points.

The village includes communal areas so residents can socialise and make the most of living in a vibrant community setting

Designed to be net-zero in operation

The village is designed to be net-zero in operation for regulated sources of energy. This is achieved through improved building fabric and insulation, as well as the inclusion of sustainable technology including ground source heat pumps, a photovoltaic array on the roof and mechanical heat vent recovery units.

Electric vehicle charging points have also been installed in 10% of parking bays – which includes 121 spaces in the first phase and 214 overall – with the infrastructure in place to increase it to 100% as demand grows.

Ground source heat pumps and a photovoltaic array provide the village with sustainable sources of energy, heating and cooling

In the video below, join James Cobb, sales and marketing director at Inspired Villages, as he finds out more about the ground source heat pumps at Millfield Green, including how they work and what the benefits are for residents.

Creating green spaces for residents to enjoy

To complement this focus on the environment, green spaces have been incorporated throughout the village, enhancing its natural setting. As well as landscaping, there is also an enclosed garden courtyard in the south of the centre, encouraging outdoor activity and giving residents and visitors a private garden space to enjoy.

With a pond also present onsite, the mix of green and blue spaces will help to provide a diverse habitat for local wildlife.

Michelle Cotterill, Director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“We’re thrilled to have delivered the first net-zero retirement village in the country, which goes hand-in-hand with Willmott Dixon's own ambitious sustainability targets for 2030.

“It’s been amazing to work with two businesses that mirror our sustainable ethos, and we’re looking forward to seeing residents moving in and enjoying the state-of-the-art facilities."

Phil Bayliss, CEO of Later Living at Legal & General Capital, said:

“We continue to make terrific progress through our partnership with Inspired Villages as we set out to revolutionise the later living offer in the UK and address the chronic shortfall in supply. Bringing forward the UK’s first net-zero retirement community is another string to this bow, creating savings for residents and clear environmental benefits as we progress towards a carbon-free future.”

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, said:

“There is a need to provide a greater support to the older people within our society and Covid has shown us that ensuring the health and wellbeing of our older people, whilst supporting our NHS and social care services, is paramount. Our retirement community model focuses on holistic wellness, encouraging this in older people by providing suitable, safe, secure and stimulating environments, helping them live good, healthy and independent lives for longer. Environmental considerations are the next stage of this evolution.”