Construction has officially begun at Marriott’s Park, a major new residential development in Taverham, as housebuilders Barratt and David Wilson Homes, Norfolk Homes Ltd and Abel Homes break ground on the new Norfolk community.

Located just north of Taverham, the development is bounded by the village to the south, the Broadland Northway (A1270) to the north, Fir Covert Road to the west and Reepham Road to the east.

Planning permission was granted by Broadland District Council in 2024 for a mixed-use development comprising up to 1,530 new homes alongside extensive community infrastructure. Plans include specialist care units, land for a primary school, a community and medical centre, a local centre and significant public open space.

To mark the milestone, representatives from the three developers were joined by Councillor Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou, District Councillor for Taverham North and Chair of Taverham Parish Council, for a ceremonial ground-breaking event.

Those in attendance included Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia’s Managing Director, Simon Wood, as well as James Nicholls, Managing Director at Norfolk Homes Ltd, and Paul LeGrice, Managing Director at Abel Homes.

The ceremonial first dig marked the beginning of a significant new neighbourhood that will provide much-needed homes and community facilities for the area while supporting the continued investment of all three developers across Norfolk.

Cllr Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou, District Councillor for Taverham North and Chair of Taverham Parish Council, said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the sod-breaking ceremony at Marriott’s Park and mark this important milestone for Taverham.

“As the District Councillor and Chair of Taverham Parish Council, I have been involved with this development over many years, and it is rewarding to see work continuing to create a new community that will provide much-needed homes for local people.

“Marriott’s Park is about much more than new housing. It will bring new green spaces, community facilities and investment in local infrastructure, helping to create a sustainable neighbourhood where people can put down roots and thrive.

“I look forward to seeing the development continue to take shape and to working with residents – both existing and new – to ensure Marriott’s Park becomes a valued part of our community.”

Simon Wood, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia, said: “Breaking ground at Marriott’s Park is a proud moment for our team and an important milestone in bringing this exciting new community to life.

“We’ve been delivering high-quality homes across Norfolk for many years, and Marriott’s Park represents another significant investment in the county.

“The development will provide a range of homes for local buyers while showcasing our commitment to building sustainable, energy-efficient homes for the future.”

James Nicholls, Managing Director at Norfolk Homes Ltd, said: “This is another proud moment in the 43-year history of Norfolk Homes Ltd.

“As the largest privately owned housebuilder solely operating in the county of Norfolk, we are hugely excited to be involved in such a major scheme. We can’t wait to get started and make this long-planned development a reality.”

Paul LeGrice, Managing Director at Abel Homes, said: “This is the start of an exciting collaboration which Abel Homes is delighted to be part of.

“Marriott’s Park will be a new, vibrant community, and we are looking forward to playing our part in building that community.”

Marriott’s Park will benefit from strong transport connections, with Norwich city centre approximately 15 to 20 minutes away by car and around 30 minutes by bus via the 29 and X29 services.

The development will also offer strong walking and cycling links. A central route through the site, complemented by connections along Breck Farm Lane, Fir Covert Road and the Broadland Northway, will offer easy access to the surrounding countryside and river walks.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes is expected to open its sales centre in 2027, when prospective buyers will be able to find out more about the new homes and register their interest.

For more information about the homebuilder and its developments in the county, visit Barratt Homes in Norfolk and David Wilson Homes in Norfolk.