Ardena Homes launches as a partnership-led housebuilder

Ardena Homes has launched as a new partnership-led housebuilder, bringing together land, planning and delivery capability within a focused residential platform.

The business will work in partnership with housing associations, local authorities and sector stakeholders to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes across the East of England.

Alongside its partnership activity, the company will also develop niche open market schemes across its areas of operation. It has recently commenced a five-unit development near its offices in Bourne.

Ardena Homes is positioned as a long-term delivery partner, combining a relationship-led and disciplined approach with strong institutional backing.

The company forms part of Phoenix Sustainable Investments, drawing on the group’s experience in sustainable development across housing, energy and environmental infrastructure, alongside the strategic land expertise of Phoenix Strategic Land.

CEO of Phoenix Sustainable Investments, Karl Hick, brings almost four decades of experience. During this time, he has led two national housebuilders to success – Allison Homes and Larkfleet Homes – before establishing Phoenix in 2021. Karl has been an early adopter and champion of sustainability and innovative construction methods in housing, including the use of solar technology more than a decade ago.

Karl Hick, CEO of Phoenix Sustainable Investments, said:

“Ardena Homes represents a natural evolution of our platform, bringing together land, planning and delivery capability into a focused housebuilding business.

“We are taking a long-term view, working with partners to deliver homes that meet changing expectations around sustainability, performance and quality.” 

A partnership-led delivery platform

Ardena Homes operates as a partnership-led housebuilder, combining a strong land pipeline, proven delivery capability and a focus on measurable sustainability. This enables a transparent, end-to-end approach from site conception through to delivery.

Sustainability built in from the outset

Our homes are designed in line with the Future Homes Standard, with sustainability engineered into the fabric of each property.

High levels of insulation are included throughout, with 150mm insulated wall cavities, 150mm floor insulation and over 400mm of loft insulation, helping to reduce heat loss and improve overall energy performance.

Low-carbon technologies are installed as standard, including air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, solar panels with solar diverters to optimise on-site energy use, and electric vehicle charging provision.

Together, these features support lower energy use, reduced running costs and consistent performance, while improving comfort for residents and reducing environmental impact. Homes are designed to meet evolving standards and support long-term efficiency.

Sean Wilson, Group Technical Director, said:

“Sustainability has to be engineered into the fabric of a home, not added later. At Ardena Homes, we focus on measurable performance and how homes operate day-to-day. By combining high levels of insulation with efficient systems and technologies, we are delivering homes designed for long-term environmental and operational performance.”

Pipeline and first scheme

As part of its launch, Ardena Homes has announced its first development in Bourne, Lincolnshire, comprising a collection of five private sale homes.

Currently under construction and progressing ahead of schedule, the homes are expected to complete in October 2026. The scheme has been designed to offer an alternative to nearby developments, combining contemporary layouts with a focus on long-term performance and future-ready sustainability.

Targeted at a broad range of buyers, including young families and those looking to downsize, the homes are positioned around lifestyle as well as efficiency. Designed to achieve high energy performance, the properties will offer A-rated credentials, supporting lower running costs and long-term value.

The Bourne development represents the first in a wider pipeline of sites across the region, reflecting Ardena Homes’ land and planning capability. Ardena Homes’ pipeline of sites includes Holt in Norfolk, Nassington in Northamptonshire, Claypole and Barrowby in Lincolnshire, Glinton in Peterborough, Winthorpe in Nottinghamshire and Beccles in East Suffolk.

The business is also progressing its Phoenix X-House concept, focused on delivering partnership-led schemes with the NHS and other organisations.

Ardena Homes is now engaging with Registered Providers and sector partners to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes through long-term partnerships.

Story by Ardena Homes