Two major UK building contractors, Hill Partnerships and Willmott Dixon, have entered into 'partnering contracts' with the A2Dominion Group, the housing partner in the first stage of P3Eco's NW Bicester Eco Development – an initial 393-home mixed-use zero carbon community, known as the Exemplar.

The contractors will work with A2Dominion on the design and construction of the housing on the site, once the planning application has been determined by Cherwell District Council in Oxfordshire.

Gerry Walker, Development Director (South East) at A2Dominion, said: "We're committed to involving local businesses in the construction of our new homes at NW Bicester. We're very excited to be working with Hill Partnerships and Willmott Dixon. They are well-regarded contractors who not only have the practical experience, but also share our vision to create a sustainable community within the eco-town."


The contractors' strong sustainability credentials have led to them being chosen for involvement in the initial phase of the ground-breaking NW Bicester Eco Development. They have signed up to the high expectations of sustainability for the homes in the Exemplar.

NW Bicester is one of the Government's designated eco-towns. A planning application for the Exemplar phase has been submitted by P3Eco, A2Dominion and the consortium behind the NW Bicester Eco Development to Cherwell District Council. It is seeking full permission for 393 homes and an energy centre of up to 400sqm, along with outline permission for a range of facilities to support a community including a community centre, retail units, an Eco-Business Centre and a site for a future primary school. The cost of delivering the housing element on the Exemplar will be in the region of £80 million.

P3Eco and its partners expect a decision on the planning application for the Exemplar site to be made by Cherwell District Council by the summer.

(CD/GK)