A new timber frame factory for Persimmon’s sister brand Space4 has been approved, bringing 120 new jobs to Loughborough
A new timber frame factory has been approved by Charnwood Borough Council, creating what is believed to be the biggest timber frame factory in the UK at 493,000 sq ft.
The new factory in Loughborough will create over a hundred local jobs and aims to generate enough timber frames for around 7,000 homes a year for Persimmon’s sister brand Space4.
Timber frame construction is 20% more efficient than traditional ways
As well as timber frames, Space4 produces highly insulated wall panels and roof cassettes, offering a ‘fabric first’ solution to building new, sustainable homes.
Persimmon will use these sustainable materials in their own modern methods of construction (MMC) systems, improving speed and consistency in their construction and delivery.
The new timber frame factory will use wood from sustainable forestry sources.
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.”
The new factory is located on a £43m development site
The new Space4 facility will be placed on the Garendon Park Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), a community of over 3,000 homes on the Garendon Park estate where Persimmon Homes North Midlands is master developer.
Across the whole of the SUE, a cumulative figure of over £43m will be paid to support local infrastructure delivery and ensure economic development.
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.”
The new timber frame factory aims to be in full operation by the end of 2025.
You can read more about the applications of sustainably sourced timber frames here.
