August 2026 Community Update
We’re pleased to keep you informed with the latest updates on the development and the growing Benthall community from the Communities and Placemaking team at Harworth Group. This newsletter serves as a key resource for all the important news, events, and progress happening across the development.
Development Update
Housebuilder Activity
New home construction remains ongoing across the eastern side of the Benthall Grange development, with both David Wilson Homes and Taylor Wimpey continuing their housebuilding across their respective areas of the site.
Looking ahead, residents and site visitors can expect to see works begin on the former boiler house plot which sits to the east of Taylor Wimpey. The start of the build out of this plot will include the seeding and planting of the southern slope as well as the formation of a planted buffer running along the residential boundary, as well as drainage works. These packages are being progressed ahead of the development beginning the next phase of residential construction. Further improvement works to the Buildwas Road site entrance are also planned.
Community Safety
As part of ongoing community engagement, representatives from the local police and fire services recently visited the site for a familiarisation walkover, helping to strengthen relationships and improve emergency preparedness. To further support safe working practices, a new site-wide Health and Safety Coordination team has been appointed, overseeing the safety of construction operatives, as well as the safety and wellbeing of the Benthall Grange residents.
On Site Works Between now and the end of the year, the development is expecting to complete its ongoing earthworks contracts, involving the removal of the former power station foundations and the extraction & processing of Polarised Fuel Ash (PFA) left over from the power station. PFA is a by-product of the former site’s coal burning activities, which is being sent off for recycling.
Communities and Placemaking Update
Ironbridge Regatta Fringe Event 28th June
On 28th June, we were pleased to host a fringe family fun day at Benthall Grange, bringing together local residents, community groups and visitors for an enjoyable day of entertainment and activities. Held in support of the annual Ironbridge Regatta, hosted by our neighbours at Ironbridge Rowing Club the event showcased a range of local organisations and performers. Community groups including Much Wenlock Scouts and Shropshire Falconry joined us on the day alongside performances from Jackfield Band and the Stafford Morris Dancers. Visitors of all ages enjoyed a variety of attractions and entertainment with support from our on-site housebuilders. It was great to see the community come together and support both the event and the wider celebrations taking place at the development.
Creative Workshops
The second photography workshop with Lindsey Bucknor around the site took place on 26th July, and we are delighted to share some of the photos from the session from Robin and Emma, who said ‘We really enjoyed spending time with (Lindsey) and it is always fantastic learning from someone who is both a great teacher and skilled in their craft.’
Upcoming Events for Your Diary
Benthall Grange Street Food Event 14th August 18:00 – 20:00
We are excited to be celebrating Summer at Benthall Grange with a street food event taking place on 14th August 18:00 – 20:00, with great music, food and entertainment for all. We hope to see you there!
Doggy Training Morning 22nd August 9:30 – 11:00 (Rescheduled Date)
Due to the hot weather, our free doggy fun morning with a professional trainer is now taking place on Saturday 22nd August 9:30 – 11:30. This is a great chance to teach your dog some new skills, play some fun games and socialise them with other dogs. If you’d like to sign up please use the QR code on the flyer!
Creative Classes – Last Session Taking Place 21st August 18:00 – 19:00
We have been delighted with the feedback on our Spring/Summer creative classes, and the last in our series of free workshops, a yoga session with Jackie at Let’s Flow Yoga, will be taking place at on 21st August 18:00 – 19:00. To sign up please get in touch with us at benthallgrange@harworthgroup.com
Invite to Use our Green Space
If you are part of a community group, CIC or local club, we would love to have you make use of our green space on site for your events or initiatives for completely free. Please do get in touch with us via benthallgrange@harworthgroup.com with your ideas and we would love to hear from you and discuss further!
Harworth Group Communities Fund
We have a dedicated Communities Fund to donate to and support local causes that are important to you. If you would like to bid for funding for an organisation in the local community please follow the link https://forms.office.com/e/GVYcQbCU4M and we will review your application. Please note that in order for us to consider your application any forms will need to be completed by a community group, school, charity, community amateur sports club or not-for-profit organisation which operates within a 4 mile radius of the Benthall Grange development.
The next opening window for the fund is 1st – 31st October so set a reminder!