Focus
Knockroon: The first show homes are open
30th September 2011
The first show homes at the Knockroon development in East Ayrshire, Scotland are now open.Knockroon lies on the edge of the historic town of Cumnock and part of the Dumfries House Estate. The land was purchased in 2007 by The Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation at the same time it acquired Dumfries House. The acquisition was by a consortium led by The Prince of Wales, who is known as The Duke of Rothesay in Scotland.
The Prince intervened to save the House and preserve its collection of 18th Century furniture for the Nation, and to help regenerate the local area through the creation of Knockroon.
Following extensive consultations with the local community, a Masterplan for the site was drawn up by The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.
His Royal Highness has a strong interest in sustainable communities and placing people at the heart of architectural design, as well as believing building should be around the needs of the pedestrian, rather than relying on cars.
These principles can be seen in the first phase of the Knockroon development, which will comprise 88 homes, 12 work units, two commercial buildings and a local shop. Spread over an area of 28 hectares, when completed Knockroon will be a walkable neighbourhood including 600 homes, together with shops, workplaces, education and community facilities and a network of footpaths.
The location of both businesses and commercial enterprises as well as homes in Knockroon will allow people the option of living and working within the same community, much like The Prince of Wales’s urban expansion of Dorchester, Poundbury, a sustainable community established by The Prince and built on Duchy of Cornwall land.
The homes will include a number of environmentally friendly features including enhanced insulation, low energy lighting and water saving taps and showers.
The development, which has been awarded “Scottish Sustainable Community” status by the Scottish Government, is being undertaken by The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation together with Hope Homes Scotland and ZeroC Holdings.