Leicester housebuilder Jelson Homes has been presented with a Certificate of Commendation from Wigston Civic Society for the contribution made to the local community and environment by its Peacock Place development in Wigston.
The development, which was completed in early 2018, comprises two- and three-bedroom mews and semi-detached homes arranged around a courtyard. The centrepiece of the courtyard is a bespoke totem, donated by Jelson Homes and created by local artists Lindsay Jelley and Peter Leadbeater.
“We believe Peacock Place – the homes, landscaping and public art in the form of the totem – is a brilliant development,” said Colin Towell, secretary of Wigston Civic Society.
“It’s a great layout with very pleasing elevations and enhances Wigston tremendously as a place to live and work.”
Jelson’s Design Director, Mike Spencer, was presented with the Certificate of Commendation at a ceremony attended by the totem designers, the Civic Society and Greater Wigston Historical Society, who have provided some funding and historical details for an information board about the area. Further funding was provided by Jelson Homes and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Residents Forum.
The totem was designed by Lindsay Jelley and carved from English oak by Peter Leadbeater. Mounted on the totem are stainless steel insets, made by Art Fabrications in Fenny Drayton, and intended to resemble the circuit boards produced by the electrical engineering company which occupied the site until 1980.
“We created the totem as a solid, secure piece of public art which will stand the test of time,” said Lindsay.
“The steel insets are designed to catch the light and hark back to the site’s industrial heritage.”
Embedded in the ground in front of the totem is a date stone salvaged from the site’s original 19th century houses, which preceded the electrical factory and were demolished in the 1960s. The legend ‘HDD1952’ refers to the landowner, Hugh Devereux Davenport and the date of construction.
“Peacock Place is one of our most popular developments of recent years and we’re thrilled to have received the certificate from Wigston Civic Society,” said Jelson’s Sales Manager, Jackie Woodward.
“We’re proud of our own local heritage and so awards like this, which recognise our contribution in a historical context, are very gratefully received.”
