Hopfields, Newton Brookbanks Case Study

The development at Hopfields is a 2,300 new home site with employment centres and a new school. But this came with considerable technical constraints.

Our Role

Brookbanks delivered a comprehensive package of technical and cost planning services for Vistry Group (South West Midlands) on a large-scale residential development in Hopfield, Newton. The scheme comprised approximately 2,300 new homes, associated highways infrastructure, and strategic utility connections.

Due to external programme pressures, Brookbanks completed the full cost plan and supporting technical reports within an accelerated two-week timeframe. The cost plan incorporated a detailed schedule of assumptions and exclusions, providing clarity on scope and risk allocation. Following submission, Brookbanks offered further support by answering any queries that arose in regards to how the plan supported Vistry’s commercial objectives.

Beyond cost planning, Utilities, Structural, and Civils reports were produced, leveraging cross-disciplinary expertise to deliver robust technical insight. These reports identified a range of value engineering opportunities, including:

Optimised infrastructure layouts to reduce material quantities and construction time.
Alternative structural solutions for foundations and superstructure to achieve cost efficiency.
Utility strategy refinements, such as rationalising service corridors and exploring off-site solutions to minimise disruption and improve sustainability.

The development also required careful consideration of planning conditions, environmental constraints, and sustainable design principles. Brookbanks advised on strategies to integrate SuDS, and ensure compliance, supporting Vistry’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable communities.

This project demanded a rapid response under challenging conditions while providing technical excellence and commercial value. By combining cost planning with engineering expertise, Brookbanks helped Vistry Group unlock efficiencies and maintain programme certainty on a strategically important scheme.

The Outcome

Brookbanks provided:

Comprehensive Infrastructure and Abnormals Cost Plan: Delivered within an accelerated two-week timeframe, including a detailed schedule of assumptions and exclusions to ensure clarity and transparency.
Utilities Report: Identified existing service constraints, reviewed available utility information, and proposed strategic refinements to optimise service corridors and explore off-site solutions for improved efficiency and sustainability.
Structural Report: Assessed foundation solutions based on site investigation data and proposed alternative structural options to achieve cost efficiency and programme certainty.
Civils Report: Reviewed cut-and-fill strategies, drainage design, and flood risk mitigation measures, incorporating SuDS principles and compliance with planning and environmental requirements.

Sectors