Habitat First Group Prepares For Opening Of Silverlake In Dorset

Milestone year, Habitat First Group’s second project, Silverlake to officially open to residents in April 2017. Silverlake expected to generate nearly half a billion pounds of construction investment in the local area. Habitat First Group continues to win awards for its design and conservation focus.

The Habitat First Group is about to embark on a monumental year. Established by the late Jeremy Paxton the business is now run by his family who have turned the concept into one of the most successful luxury holiday developments in the UK. 20 years since the opening of Lower Mill Estate the group will celebrate its next milestone with the official opening of second site, Silverlake in Dorset.  The project has been in development since April 2016 and in April Silverlake will welcome its first residents.

Set on a 650 acre estate, Silverlake will comprise of hundreds of holiday chalets and lodges, a country club and spa. However, it shouldn’t be regarded singularly as a property development, the Habitat First Group has a far greater mission and the project will not only support the local economy but will also result in the protection of hundreds of species of wildlife.

Silverlake is a key economic driver for the future of the West Dorset economy, encouraging inward investment, local spending and further employment. The construction stage alone is expected to generate £470million over a 20 to 30 year period, of which over half will be spent with local businesses, such as construction and design firms.  573 construction and sales jobs will be created, 286 of them with local firms.  An extra 270 indirect jobs are also expected from visitor spend in the area.

Beyond the benefits for the local infrastructure, Habitat First always endeavours to put Mother Nature first; protecting the existing environment and looking at ways of enhancing the surroundings to encourage more wildlife at its sites. Species surveys have been carried out and have identified the key areas of ecological importance for breeding birds, reptiles, dormouse, otter, water vole, invertebrates and bats.

This level of respect for the environment is applicable not only to the grounds but is a key principle for the architecture as well. Habitat First’s vision is to harmonise architecture and nature and its homes provide the very best in sustainable luxury. Most recently Habitat First Group has won prestigious housing awards for the innovative Habitat House, designed in conjunction with architect Featherstone & Young. Habitat House won Best 5 Star Residential Property in Gloucester Award and Highly Commended Architecture Single Residence in the South West England category at the UK Property Awards sponsored by The Telegraph.

Red Paxton, Owner of Habitat First Group, commented “2017 is shaping up to be a true milestone. We are transforming what was once a derelict site into a world-class conservation community. We consider ourselves as a property development with a conscience, one that places importance on the local community and environment. By the end of 2017 client would have built over 40 houses built and our impressive spa will be fully operational. This is just the start for Silverlake, a project which will create a lasting legacy for the Dorset area.”

Silverlake will join Lower Mill Estate in the Habitat First Group portfolio. The group is in the early stages of planning a third development, Birchwood Lakes. Located on the site of the former Venn Quarry south east of Barnstaple, Devon, it will offer 157 one, two, three and four-bedroom cabins and lodges in addition to a 40-bedroom hotel.

For more information  visit www.silverlakedorset.com