Persimmon has received approval to construct a new Space4 timber frame factory. The factory is believed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK.

Approval for the project was granted by Charnwood Borough Council on 22 June. The site is to be based on the edge of Loughborough and is expected to generate 120 jobs.

The factory will be part of the Garendon Park Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), a community of over 3,000 homes on the Garendon Park estate. Persimmon's North Midlands team is master developer on the site.

The factory will utilise the latest modern methods of construction combined with automation features that will enable timber frames to be built 20% faster than other building methods.


The project is set to complete in 2025. When fully operational the factory is expected to be capable of producing timber frame units for 7,000 homes a year.

Commenting on the plans, Gareth Wicks, Managing Director Designate at Space4, said: "We're delighted to have received approval for our new Space4 facility and I want to thank Charnwood Borough Council for their support. Not only will the development deliver up to 120 new jobs, it will also further our goal to place sustainable practices at the very heart of our developments.

"We're committed to creating vibrant, successful communities with the environment in mind. We'll continue to work in partnership with the Council and other stakeholders to ensure our new Space4 factory delivers real benefits for local industry and the wider Loughborough community."

Reflecting on their involvement, Dan Endersby, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: "Approval for the new Space4 facility at our Garendon Park development comes at a particularly exciting time as we welcome our first residents and continue to build our presence in Loughborough.

"Garendon Park will be one of Persimmon's flagship communities, with over 3,000 homes, employment and leisure facilities, and a range of preserved historic monuments around the site."