Natta Secures Landmark Gilston Infrastructure Contract

Natta is proud to announce its appointment by the Places for People (PfP) and Barratt Redrow JV as Main Contractor for the delivery of major infrastructure works at the landmark Gilston Park Estate development in Hertfordshire.

The appointment for the Central Stort Crossing North (1a and 2a) package represents a major milestone for Natta, reinforcing its position as a trusted delivery partner for large-scale infrastructure, civil engineering and groundworks projects across the Home Counties.

The wider Gilston development is one of the UK’s most ambitious new community projects. As part of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town vision to bring forward 23,000 new homes whilst creating new jobs and prosperity, delivering social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and sustainable transport links, the PfP and Barratt Redrow JV will deliver a significant part of the scheme.

Together they will build up 8,500 new homes, including a significant proportion of affordable housing, alongside schools, leisure facilities, employment space, green infrastructure and community amenities. Their masterplan will create six distinct villages connected by extensive open space and more than 15 kilometres of walking and cycling routes, placing sustainability, biodiversity and long-term community wellbeing at the heart of the scheme.

CGI of the Newly Proposed Gilston Development

Natta’s scope of works comprises a comprehensive infrastructure package, including temporary works, bulk earthworks, ground improvement, embankment construction, sewer installations and associated services infrastructure. The project also incorporates footpaths, cycleways and wider connectivity measures designed to support sustainable transport and accessibility across the site. The project will play a critical role in unlocking future phases of the development and supporting the long-term vision for a connected and sustainable community.

John Whelan, Managing Director of Natta, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this significant project with the Places for People Barratt Redrow JV. Gilston is a landmark development that will help shape the future of the area. We are proud to have been entrusted with delivering key infrastructure works as part of the wider network upgrades that will support the creation of a sustainable and connected new community. This award is a fantastic achievement for our team and reflects the strength of the relationships, expertise and collaborative approach we continue to build across the business.”

It further strengthens our position as a trusted delivery partner for complex, large-scale infrastructure schemes and reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, collaboration and programme certainty.

Matt Sainty, Commercial Director at Natta, added:

“This appointment demonstrates the confidence the Places for People and Barratt Redrow JV have placed in Natta’s capability to deliver complex infrastructure safely, collaboratively and to programme. Our experience in earthworks, infrastructure and integrated delivery positions us strongly to support the successful delivery of this important phase of the Gilston development. This is a culmination of a huge team effort, working with the designers and the Places for People Barratt Redrow JV to bring the scheme to life.”

Commenting on this appointment, Tim Jones, Head of Infrastructure at PfP, said:

“This development has been 20 years in the making and reflects close collaboration between many partners. We are pleased to welcome Natta to the team. Their appointment marks a significant milestone as we begin construction and progress delivery of new communities across the region.”

The award continues Natta’s growth within the infrastructure and civil engineering sectors and further strengthens its relationship with strategic developers delivering major community-focused schemes throughout the UK.

As works progress, Natta looks forward to working collaboratively with the Places for People and Barratt Redrow JV and the wider project team to deliver infrastructure that will support a thriving and sustainable new community for generations to come.

About the Joint Venture

Places for People (PfP) and Barratt Redrow have established a landmark joint venture to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious new community developments in East Hertfordshire. The partnership brings together PfP’s experience as a master developer with a strong social purpose, alongside Barratt Redrow’s scale and expertise as the UK’s leading housebuilder.

Through a coordinated, infrastructure‑led approach, the joint venture will deliver up to 8,500 new homes across a network of walkable, interconnected villages, alongside green spaces, community facilities and employment opportunities. The partnership is designed to accelerate delivery while ensuring long‑term stewardship, social value and the creation of a sustainable, inclusive place for generations to come.

Looking Ahead at Gilston

With works now commencing on site, Natta is excited to begin delivering the critical infrastructure that will help bring the vision for Gilston Park Estate to life. As the project progresses, our teams will be focused on safely and efficiently delivering the earthworks, infrastructure and connectivity works that will form the foundations of this major new community.

The development represents an important investment in the future of the area. It will create sustainable neighbourhoods designed around connectivity, green infrastructure and long-term community wellbeing. Natta is proud to be playing a key role in the early delivery phases of a project that will support thousands of new homes, employment opportunities and community facilities for future generations.

*Image credit Grant Associates