Member Article

Eureka moment as developers launch inaugural scheme in Derbyshire

DEVELOPERS are celebrating their own Eureka moment this week as a new chapter is written in the history of a landmark mansion in South Derbyshire.

After standing idle for many years and falling into disrepair, the abandoned Eureka Lodge at Swadlincote has been bulldozed and its site is being transformed into a multi-million pound collection of 13 luxury bungalows.

And thanks to the skills of local contractors and suppliers, many of the original design features and materials have been reclaimed from the grand villa, including its memorable entrance gate pillars, for use in the project.

This week, the first phase of the two and three-bedroomed detached bungalows being brought to life by Mallard Homes has been launched to market, with prices starting from £265,000.

Building work remains on schedule and the three homes that spearhead the first phase of release should be ready for moving into in early 2019.

The development – named Eureka Lodge Gardens after a local community competition to find a name - marks the inaugural project of Mallard Homes, drawing upon founder Paul Heap’s 20 years’ experience in the development sector.

He said: “Launching the first phase of bungalows to market marks a key milestone for us as a company, as well as signalling the start of an exciting new era for the site of the former Eureka Lodge.

“We are delighted that the name of our development retains its historic links with this once-grand Victorian gentlemen’s residence, built for local entrepreneur John Wragg in the 1890s. It had stood proud, and at the heart of the community, for over 100 years before latterly becoming neglected and unsafe.

“We are proud that we have been able to blend modern new build seamlessly with Victorian design features and materials that were successfully reclaimed.

“We also managed to retain the original gate pillars – a striking part of its heritage – which now create an exclusive sense of arrival as you enter the peace and solitude of this secluded location.”

He added: “Demand for bungalows outstrips supply in this area and, wedded to its prime secluded location and design, Eureka Lodge Gardens meets the local community’s needs, while enhancing the locality.

“All the properties are available with the benefit of support from the Government’s Help-to-Buy initiative. It can make buying a new home more affordable and new figures have shown that it has already benefitted more than 3,400 local people move on or up the property ladder in Derbyshire.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by richard chew .