Pictured above: Park Central by night

Crest Nicholson, the force behind the award-winning Park Central scheme in Birmingham city centre, scored two major wins at the recent Housebuilding Innovation Awards 2009 - 'Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year' and 'Housebuilding Innovator of the Year'.

Now in its fifth year, the Housebuilding Innovation Awards showcases best practice within the industry, raising standards and setting a benchmark for UK housebuilders.  Run by the Home Builders Federation in association with the National House Building Council, the awards are supported by the Government and aim to recognise companies that are demonstrating a commitment to excellence and innovation in the housebuilding industry. 

Crest Nicholson beat off competition from Barratt Developments, Miller Homes, and Places for People, to pick up two of the most coveted accolades in the 'large companies' category.

The judges commended Crest Nicholson for its "ongoing efforts to improve against an extremely tough background for the industry", noting the way in which "the company shows commitment to keeping sustainability going despite this difficult market," and how the company has "contributed considerably to the sustainability drive."

Jo Parker, sales manager at Park Central, said: "We're delighted that Crest Nicholson's efforts towards improving sustainability and consistent innovation have been recognised in this way. This award represents the culmination of many years' of hard work and we are pleased to have been recognised on such a high profile platform."

For Crest Nicholson, these latest awards are testament to its commitment to sustainability, consideration for which is embedded into every aspect of business practice, from lowering office energy consumption by 13.7 per cent in 2008 and being one of the first to sign up to WRAP's Halving Waste to Landfill campaign, to delivering ongoing sustainable development and low carbon homes across its development portfolio.  

Crest Nicholson also subscribes to regular external benchmarking via a multi-stakeholder initiative known as NextGeneration which, in an independent review of the UK's 25 largest housebuilders, has ranked Crest Nicholson among the top two for addressing sustainability issues relating to the homes it builds and its own operations. 

Underlining the company's commitment to transparency and accountability, NextGeneration offers a positive indication of the extent to which Crest Nicholson is driving the creation of place through government policy and industry practise to achieve sustainable community development. 

Stephen Stone, Chief Executive of Crest Nicholson, said: "As a responsible developer, the need to reduce carbon emissions and tackle the problems posed by climate change remains an integral part of our Group strategy. We believe that sustainability delivers real business value and despite the challenges represented by the economy, carbon emissions are not in recession and we are continuing to drive forward, innovate and explore the use of new technologies that will ensure sustainable development standards extend beyond the niche market and start to filter down into more mainstream delivery."

Park Central is a landmark Crest Nicholson development in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Bordered by Bath Row and Lee Bank Middleway, Park Central is the result of an innovative partnership between Crest Nicholson and joint landowners Birmingham City Council and Optima Community Association.  

A collection of apartments, penthouses and freehold townhouses, all situated around eight acres of landscaped parkland, have given Park Central its unique identity; and a range of assistance schemes including the Government-backed HomeBuy Direct have helped position the development as the first choice among city centre buyers.

A selection of contemporary one bedroom apartments is currently available at Park Central priced from just £99,950, with two bedroom apartments available from £138,950. However, with HomeBuy Direct, a one bedroom apartment can be secured from just £69,965.

The marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is located at Park Central, 2 Mason Way, Birmingham B15 2EY.