Focus on new homes

East Midlands, [20 February 06] Ilkeston-based new homes developer Fairgrove Homes is keen to find out what local people think of new houses in the region. To get a debate going among key stakeholders, the company is launching a series of Focus Group meetings to examine key themes such as designs, prices, locations and access routes.

“To kick our studies off, we will be holding the first Focus Group at our show home in The Bruntings, Eakring Road, Mansfield on 20 March 2006,” says Steve Midgley, managing director, Fairgrove Homes. “The aim of this meeting is to discover exactly what key stakeholders want from a home of the future. For example, are they interested in luxuries such as underfloor heating? Or would they prefer simpler – and cheaper – heating systems? Does two-storey living appeal – or would they prefer a home over three floors?”

To get the ball rolling, Fairgrove is looking for volunteers, such as IT specialists, public sector employees, estate agents, teachers, chartered surveyors, builders, local councillors, hairdressers, salespeople, creatives, stay-at-home parents and SME owners to join its first session. “This is a great opportunity to get your voice heard – and ensure that your wish list becomes a key part of the new homes of tomorrow,” says Steve. “We’ve teamed up with Derby-based McConnells Group to organise an evening that is sure to remain focused, informative and useful for any stakeholders in the new homes industry.”

During the evening, volunteers will be asked for their views on the future of two- and three-storey homes and will be given the opportunity to discuss open plan living versus traditional rooms. “The focus of the evening is creative,” says Steve. “Volunteers will get the chance to draw their ideal new home and prioritise their demands for such extras as whirlpool baths, kitchens with built in appliances, underfloor heating and laundry chutes. We’ll be giving everyone a target sale price so that we can find out exactly what they want from a house within a given budget.”

To thank those who get involved in these quarterly events, Fairgrove will be serving up wines and a buffet to volunteers. An executive summary of the key findings of the Focus Groups will also be made available to anyone who is interested.

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