New chapter at animal farm as Lovell invests in unique play area

Affordable housing specialist Lovell installed a new activity and play area for the animals of Stonebridge City Farm, to ensure they are not distressed by building work on new homes nearby.

The activity and play area was created by newly employed Lovell apprentices, who installed goalposts and drainage pipes for the animals to run through, and frames to hang food and equipment. 

This was done as part of the company’s commitment to reducing the impact of the works for neighbours, and even animals, during the construction period.

Stephen Gee, education officer at Stonebridge City Farm, says: "The generous provision by Lovell of additional play equipment for our larger animals will help establish a more stimulating environment for them. It will also enhance the experience of visitors to the farm. For this we are extremely grateful.”

Stonebridge Farm is adjacent to the first phase of work to Stonebridge Park, a regeneration project supported by £5.6 million investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency. The homes are both for rent and for sale in partnership with LHA-ASRA, Nottingham City Council and the HCA.The investment will help to unlock a total investment of £11 million for new housing in the area.

"Lovell is excited to work on this major regeneration scheme with LHA-ASRA and the HCA," says Lovell regional director Noel Adams. "We are committed to delivering high-quality new housing which will make a real difference for the area. Alongside the new homes, we have created new jobs and given local people the chance to gain construction qualifications through our apprenticeship programme, providing eleven new apprenticeships."

The apprentices have boosted the Nottingham Post’s 100 apprentices in 100 days initiative, and are studying trades such as bricklaying, electrical installation, carpentry, joinery, and plastering. Lovell has appointed the apprentices as part of its commitment with the HCA to offer local training and employment opportunities.

Tara Willey, investment and regeneration manager for the HCA, says: “We are keeping the positive spin-offs of investment into Stonebridge Park within the community by ensuring that job and training opportunities are generated for local people.”