The Drummond Trust, the developer behind the pioneering New Lubbesthorpe development in the East Midlands, has appointed artist Martin Donlin to prepare designs for two glass window panels at the Brook Local Centre.
The artwork will bring to life the community plaza at the heart of New Lubbesthorpe, marking the western side of the recently opened Sainsbury’s at the entrance to the new Local Centre hub.
Martin Donlin is an internationally renowned artist working in glass and has worked throughout the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, Ireland and the Channel Islands; his work can be seen in airports, metro-stations, churches, hospitals, colleges, theatres, offices and community buildings.
Martin Donlin said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be involved in this exciting project. I get a sense that while this is a new community rising from the site, Lubbesthorpe is also an ancient place with a long and fascinating history, and I hope I can capture that in my work.”
Martin Ward on behalf of the Drummond Trust said: “We are delighted Martin has accepted this commission. We were impressed by the colour and vibrancy of his designs and his unique ability to capture a sense of place in his work. The vision for the New Lubbesthorpe was to deliver a place to live, work, learn and enjoy while conserving the unique qualities of the site including its trees and woods, flowing brooks, rich archaeology and historic landscape, and abundant wildlife, and I’m sure that’s a story Martin will bring to life.”
All are welcome to the launch event which will be held at the Lubbesthorpe Primary School Hall from 6pm on Monday 8th December 2025, when Martin Donlin will present his proposals and show examples of his work from around the world, explaining his working method, ideas and inspiration.
Martin’s work at New Lubbesthorpe will capture the site’s rich and ancient landscape, a place of nature and working/farming activity over thousands of years, including Lubbesthorpe’s reference in the Doomsday Book. It is hoped the designs for the Brook Centre will be complete and ready to install early in the New Year.
The New Lubbesthorpe development continues to make great progress with more than 1,250 homes now occupied and its successful primary school is already planning to expand. The community facilities, including a doctor’s surgery and a Sainsbury’s Local opened in the summer.
More than 40,000 trees have been planted, alongside a 190,000 sq ft wildflower meadow and the outdoor gym and trim trail forms part of the first three parks. Together, the new footpaths, benches, children’s play trail, multi-use games area and cycling facilities, are attracting residents and visitors keen to enjoy the fabulous setting.
A range of biodiversity opportunities have been created, bat and bird boxes installed, and there has been a focus on native species planting, including birch, oak, acers?, crab apple and cherry trees, providing a range of interest over the seasons.
Ultimately, the development will deliver up to 4,250 houses, an employment park capable of creating 1,000 jobs helping to provide a sustainable location to live and work, alongside a range of community facilities including three schools, shops, leisure, sports and health provision. Some 325 acres, half of the New Lubbesthorpe site, will provide woodlands, parks, ponds, nature areas, walking and cycling routes, as well as recreational space for all to enjoy.