Construction site turned classroom at Elmsett housing development

Children from Elmsett Church of England Primary School attended Eastlight’s latest housing scheme at Whatfield Road.

Led by development contractor Rose Builders and colleagues from Eastlight, the visit gave pupils a hands-on learning experience and behind-the-scenes look at how new homes are designed and built – from architectural planning to construction techniques.

Headteacher Leigh Hilton said: “Elmsett pupils had a fantastic visit to the local site. We were made very welcome by staff and the pupils had a wonderful time looking at the new houses and learning how they are built. 

“This was a fun and very educational visit and staff were happy to answer questions. The children and staff loved sitting on a dumper truck and were given a goodie bag which ended the visit in a high. Thank you so much for your time and patience.”

The two organisations also made a financial contribution and supported improvements to the school’s garden, including new astro turf and a raised flower bed.

Just a short walk from the school, Whatfield Road is an 18-home development designed by Eastlight and is being delivered with long-standing partner, Rose Builder.

The homes offer a mix of 1-bed maisonettes and 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses, with 50% of homes for social rent and 50% for shared ownership. 

Whatfield Road is Eastlight’s second land-led scheme and the first to fully meet it’s Design Guide. Each home will include energy-efficient, sustainable features, such as EV charging points and Air Source Heat Pumps, to help residents cut energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Eastlight’s Whatfield Road Project Manager, Nathan Cole, joined the pupils for their school trip. He said: “It was brilliant to welcome the pupils and show them what goes into creating the places people call home. Their enthusiasm was infectious – and we look forward to seeing the new families move into this exciting new community.”

The first homes will be handed over in August 2025, helping to meet the increasing need for social and affordable housing in the East of England. 

Delivering new homes remains a priority for Eastlight, which delivered a total of 328 new affordable homes in 2024-25, 65 more than forecast.