Gorse Ride: Building more than homes

The new neighbourhood will offer a mix of private and economical homes, with 74% designated as affordable, including wheelchair-accessible properties and homes powered by low carbon air source heat pumps to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
But for our team on the ground, this project is about much more than just delivering homes. From day one, they have made it a priority to connect with the local community. They have arranged early home tours, hosted resident barbecues and created opportunities for site teams and subcontractors to meet and build trust with the people who will live there. It is this people-first approach that has made Gorse Ride a standout example of what great community engagement looks like in practice.
Alongside the events and day-to-day interactions, the team has delivered training and employment support to help residents build long-term skills and open up new opportunities.
In our latest video, Barry Williams, Commercial Director for Wates Residential in the South, is joined by Steve Bowers, Gorse Ride Community Steering Group Lead, to reflect on the impact so far. From relationship-building to practical support, it is a snapshot of how we are helping to create a thriving, connected community while the project is still underway.
Watch the video to find out more.