Strata has reached a significant milestone after successfully acquiring land from Homes England at Wingerworth, Chesterfield, marking the housebuilder's first independently bid Homes England development.
The acquisition represents an important step in Strata's continued growth within the partnerships sector, demonstrating the business's ability to compete alongside some of the UK's largest housebuilders to secure strategically important regeneration opportunities.
Bringing new life to a landmark brownfield site
Expression forms part of the wider regeneration of the former Wingerworth Coking Works – one of the UK's most significant brownfield redevelopment projects. Following a competitive tender process, Strata was selected by Homes England to deliver the next phase of this transformational development.
Planning permission for the scheme was granted in June 2024 following extensive collaboration between Strata, Homes England, North East Derbyshire District Council and other key stakeholders. Throughout the planning process, community feedback was carefully considered and incorporated into the development where possible.
A mixed-tenure community designed for modern living
With a gross development value of £72 million, Expression will deliver 217 high-quality new homes, creating a diverse community that meets a range of local housing needs.
The development includes:
- 150 homes for private sale through Strata
- 28 shared ownership homes
- 39 affordable rent homes delivered in partnership with Platform Housing
To meet the design aspirations of Homes England, Strata has created a series of bespoke house types specifically for the development. The business has also worked closely with Homes England, Tilia Homes and North East Derbyshire District Council to coordinate specialist groundworks and infrastructure required to successfully redevelop the former industrial site.
Investing in local people and communities
Alongside delivering new homes, the development will create lasting benefits for the local area through a comprehensive employment, skills and community programme.
As part of its agreement with Homes England, Strata has committed to:
- Sourcing at least 25% of labour locally
- Delivering 40% of contracted work through the local supply chain
- Working with local schools, colleges and community groups through workshops, careers events and educational engagement
The development will also provide investment in local highways and education infrastructure, three new play areas, and a travel guide encouraging sustainable transport, walking and cycling.
A milestone for Strata's Partnerships growth
Mark Leaf, Chief Growth Officer at Strata, said:
"This site marks our first Homes England scheme where we have bid independently, highlighting our ability to compete with the UK's largest housebuilders and PLCs. The successful acquisition will enable us to build on our established partnership credentials, particularly with public sector partners, to deliver high-quality, design-led developments.
"The development's scale will provide an anchor for our business in a strategic location, and we hope it will act as a catalyst for future partnership work."
Julie Robinson, Head of Disposals at Homes England, said:
"This is a significant milestone for the project following positive collaboration between all parties. Strata's proposal demonstrates a strong focus on design quality, delivery and supporting local communities, and we welcome the benefits this new development will bring to the area."
Councillor Steve Pickering, Cabinet Member for Planning at North East Derbyshire District Council, added:
"This development will build on the new homes already being delivered in the area. This next stage of redevelopment also represents the positive regeneration of a remediated brownfield site, bringing it back into beneficial use.
"Through the planning process, we have worked to ensure the scheme provides a mix of housing and wider benefits for residents, including affordable homes and investment in local infrastructure."
Looking ahead
Construction at Expression is progressing well, with Strata's experience centre and show homes expected to open in October 2026. The first homes are anticipated to be ready for occupation from November 2026.
As Strata's first independently secured Homes England development, Expression represents an exciting chapter in the company's partnerships journey, delivering thoughtfully designed homes while creating lasting value for local communities through collaboration, regeneration and investment.