Redford Developments has acquired the former Nationwide headquarters site in Swindon, which has a draft allocation in the emerging Local Plan for up to 228 new homes.
The 9.4-acre vacant site, which comprises the 200,000 sq ft Wakefield House building, multi-storey car park and grounds, sits within the Pipers Way regeneration area, a mile from Swindon’s Old Town district. It sits at the heart of a strategic regeneration and residential-led zone, which has policy support within the emerging Swindon Local Plan 2023-2043.
This acquisition is Warwickshire-based Redford Developments’ largest to date, and the first of a handful of brownfield sites that the firm is looking to acquire for redevelopment within Wiltshire.
Redford Developments has appointed Corstorphine & Wright architects to deliver masterplanning and initial indicative designs. Public consultation on the development proposals is expected to take place before the summer, prior to a planning application being submitted.
Richard Mees, chief executive of Redford Developments, said: “We have acquired Wakefield House to see it redeveloped as an exemplary new community that prioritises placemaking and sustainability. Many of the future residents could work within easy walking distance, as thousands of Nationwide’s skilled workforce are based just up the road. The Ridgeway Hospital, School and Sixth Form Centre are also very close by.”
“The scale, setting and residential capacity of this 9.4-acre site will help to meet Swindon’s housing needs. Redeveloping it will transform the street scene, drive investment and attract the best young people to further their careers here.”
“The Borough is already generating more than £10billion in gross value added and ranking among the most productive places in the UK for output per hour worked. Combined with a growing working-age population, established global employers and a strategic location on the M4 corridor, with direct links to London and Bristol, Swindon is well positioned to outperform other large towns and is on the road to gaining city status.”
The large, dilapidated Wakefield House office complex is approximately 1.9 miles from Swindon Railway Station and 2.2 miles from Junction 15 of the M4.
This project is one of 10 brownfield sites being promoted, progressed, or developed by Redford Developments. The firm is backed by significant private investment, enabling sites to be purchased unconditionally or subject to planning. The company is also in the market to acquire commercial assets that are non-income producing, requiring refurbishment or redevelopment.
