The Drakelow power station in Burton-upon-Trent is to be transformed into a brand-new development, Dracan Village, which will ultimately comprise over 1500 mixed tenure new homes. In phase one 1036 new homes are being built by Countryside Partnerships with 195 available to rent from professional landlord Simple Life. The development is the latest in a 15-year partnership between Simple Life and Countryside and is the first site within the region, as Simple Life furthers a strong commitment to deliver higher quality homes across the UK.
195 two-to-four-bedroom private rental homes will be delivered by Simple Life, with the rest of the phase one development offering an additional 241 open market properties through Countryside Partnerships, 200 with housebuilder David Wilson Homes and 400 affordable homes by Midland Heart.
The Dracan Village development will be situated on an emerging suburban neighbourhood, just three miles outside of Burton town centre. The rental homes developed by Simple Life will be unfurnished and pet friendly, allowing residents to put their own stamp on their properties.
The area has excellent transport links to the M6 and M1, whilst the nearby train station gets residents to Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham twice hourly. Simple Life and Countryside have also committed to building a bypass for Drakelow residents, and the local community. The homes will be surrounded by green spaces including Drakelow Nature Reserve and Branston Water Park, with the latter located within a mile of the area.
Further wider plans for the development include a primary school, retail and convenience stores, retirement village, medical services, and play areas.
Kate Tuckey, Development Director at Simple Life, said: “We’re excited to be building new homes on the site of the old Drakelow power station. This development is going to massively enrich the lives of the residents who live there, with not only plenty of amenities nearby, but also breath-taking nature scenery. The transport links make it an ideal choice for anyone commuting into bigger cities, building a thriving community of professionals, families, and retirees. We look forward to seeing the development breathe new life into this beautiful area.”
Phil McHugh, Managing Director West Midlands, Countryside Partnerships, said: “We are proud to work with our partners in building much needed new homes for Burton at Dracan Village, which is set to become a fantastic new community. With a choice of tenure and facilities ranging from a primary school to a retirement village it will be a great place to live for all whatever their stage in life.”
The 195 new homes to rent by Simple Life at Dracan Village will be launching in March 2023.