Press Release - New Site Acquisition

gs8 acquires 122-acre site in Basildon, Essex with GDV projected to be in excess of £300 million as growth continues

• The landmark site is the largest project gs8 has undertaken to date
• The pipeline now sits at close to 2,000 homes as the business nudges closer to its ambition of building 1,000 homes per annum

4 June 2025, London, UK - gs8, the RIBA award-winning UK housebuilder specialising in Planet Positive homes and neighbourhoods, has today announced the acquisition of a 122-acre site in Bowers Gifford, Basildon. The Residential Development Land team of Knight Frank, advised on the transaction.

With a projected gross development value (GDV) in excess of £300 million, it marks gs8’s largest project to date. Identified as an appropriate site for housing in Basildon’s emerging local plan, the scheme is set to play a key role in the area’s long-term regeneration. gs8’s proposed plans will be developed in tandem with Basildon town centre’s masterplan, prioritising green infrastructure, biodiversity, and a 50% affordable housing provision. In line with gs8’s ethos of community building, the scheme will be shaped in collaboration with the local community and include a full range of community-led spaces and features.

The project will be delivered under gs8’s pioneering Planet Positive Framework and Zero Waste Charter, ensuring that all non-contaminated materials and off-cuts are reused wherever possible. The carbon stored in the homes and landscaping will exceed the embodied carbon required to build and maintain them.

Josh Gordon, co-founder of gs8, comments: “This is a pivotal scheme for us as we continue to reinforce our commitment to scaling up planet positive housing delivery. We believe sustainable development must sit at the heart of housebuilding — creating not just highly efficient, low impact homes, but vibrant, integrated communities. Our approach and strategic vision have been incredibly well supported by residents and local stakeholders and we are now delivering zero-carbon living at scale.”

James Barton, Partner and Department Head of London Land at Knight Frank said: "This 122-acre acquisition in Basildon represents a significant land transaction that will deliver much-needed housing in an area with strong connectivity to London. The number of units proposed will transform this part of Essex, and gs8’s sustainability goals will be a key selling point for both the local authority and future buyers."

Last year, gs8 set out an ambition to develop 1,000 homes per annum. Following significant investment from TPG Angelo Gordon and Ridgeback Group, the business now has a development pipeline of over 1,500 homes.

Currently this is our third scheme in Essex We are currently on site at Carpenters Yard, in Epping Forest - a new community of 113 homes, which is also the UK’s largest ‘Zero Bills’ development, delivered in partnership with Octopus Energy.

 Carpenters Yard will feature several new public spaces, including a proposed community café and grocery concept and a permanent office for North Weald Bassett Parish Council. Residents will also have access to an on-site fitness centre, a re-use and DIY centre and a flexible use pop-up space and multiple play areas for locals and residents.

Media Enquiries
Anna Geffert, HERA Communication Strategies
Email: gs8@heracomms.com