Ethical developer, igloo and its partner the Nationwide Building Society, has successfully completed a new housing development at Oakfield, Swindon.

The scheme has been developed on a brownfield site in the building society's hometown, delivering a total of 239 low-energy homes.

Phase one of the development has been split into two sections, with phase 1A now complete, consisting of 20 homes, including two show homes, two shared ownership homes and 16 private sale properties.

Phase 1B, which is already underway and is due to complete later this year, will deliver a total of 54 homes, made up of 12 for affordable rent, four shared ownerships, 20 for private sale and 18 affordable rent apartments.

In total, 30% of the 239 homes built at Oakfield will be designated affordable housing and all properties on the development will be EPC A rated, energy efficient, with solar panels and air source heat pumps. Oakfield has already been recognised for its approach to place-making and sustainability, having picked up a Housing Design Award for 'Building for Healthy Life', a Landscape Institute award for 'Building with Nature', and a Brownfield award for Public Participation and Engagement.


The development places significant emphasis on community and wellbeing and the scheme is set to deliver a community hub, which will be managed by the Oakfield residents' association as a space to host community events like book clubs, children's parties, or yoga classes. This year will also see the development of a large majority of the site's planned new public park, including a children's play area, designed in consultation with local children, and an external gym.

Both igloo and Nationwide Building Society have worked closely with community stakeholders on the project to ensure it has the backing of local people. As part of this, an extensive period of community consultation was undertaken to ensure local residents were able to feed into the scheme from an early stage. Working with local communities and Swindon Borough Council, Nationwide wanted to demonstrate a mutual approach to housebuilding, creating sustainable, well-designed homes and public spaces, within a thriving community.

Matt Woolgar, Development Director at igloo, said: "We've always prioritised sustainability, and building meaningful communities in our developments, but Oakfield has really taken that to the next level. We listened to what people wanted and needed from their neighbourhood, so that we could create something more than just a housing development. We're excited to see the first residents move in, and watch this community really come to life.

"With mixed tenures, shared gardens and a community hub, we know that Oakfield will be an open, connected community which will bring people from all walks of life together, from young people buying their first home, to growing families and those looking for their 'forever' home."

Rachel Smith, Social Investment Manager at Nationwide Building Society, said: "The completion of the first phase of our Oakfield project is an exciting milestone and we now look forward to the rest of the development coming to life. This project started back in 2017 and while lots has changed since then, we remain just as dedicated to building a fantastic new community on what was once just a brownfield site. The whole team can't wait to see Oakfield become part of the Swindon landscape."