“Zero Bills” Development Launching In Essex

The country’s largest ever “Zero Bills” development is launching in Newport, Essex.

The result of an innovative, long-term partnership between WhatHouse? Award-winning developer The Hill Group and Octopus Energy, the development, Hollymead Square, will deliver 89 homes that are so energy efficient they have received the coveted Octopus Zero Bills ‘stamp’. As a result, buyers won’t receive energy bills for five years, guaranteed through Octopus’ world-first smart tariff.

Hollymead Square is a blueprint for future energy-efficient housing developments, showcasing how the homebuilding and energy industries can come together to achieve outstanding results that support the UK’s transition to a net zero future with tangible, actionable improvements.

Each property at Hollymead Square features solar panels, storage and smart tech, all optimised by Octopus. Launching Saturday 20 January, the development will provide two-bedroom bungalows and two- to five-bedroom houses, 64 of which will be for private sale. All homes will be kitted out with a heat pump, solar panels and a battery, which enables the Zero Bills accreditation.

 Rebecca Littler, group sales and marketing director at The Hill Group, comments: “We are proud to be showcasing the future of UK housing here at Hollymead Square. As well as supporting families to save thousands of pounds on their energy costs over the next five years, we hope that our progressive work with the energy sector through our partnership with Octopus is something that will inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint.”      

In addition to the properties’ green credentials and lack of energy bills, Hollymead Square is set to delight homebuyers in many ways. The development includes green open space for all owners to enjoy, with selected homes dotted around the boundary, while the  gardens of Audley End House & Gardens are a short drive away. Access to lo cal schools is easy too, with Newport Primary and Joyce Frankland Academy both in close proximity.

For commuters, the development provides easy access to Cambridge and London, with Newport station within walking distance. Additional amenities, which are also within walking distance, include Dorringtons Bakery, Newport Pharmacy and the new Anglian Leisure Joyce Frankland sports centre. The latter provides a gym and fitness suite with Zumba, circuits, HIIT and Boxercise classes, plus AstroTurf and indoor and outdoor courts for badminton, tennis, basketball and more – ideal for an active family lifestyle.

The contemporary interiors at Hollymead Square will suit a range of tastes, while different layouts provide scope for home working among other family-friendly uses, and all with the peace of mind that comes with having zero energy bills for the next five years.

Prices of homes at Hollymead Square start from £489,950 for a detached two-bedroom home.

View more developments currently available from Hill 

Anyone keen to find out more about the advantages of buying new – including buying new with Hill – is invited to come along to the London New Home Show at Islington’s Business Design Centre on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January 2024. The show is free to attend, and tickets can be booked in advance.