Wavensmere Homes has been confirmed as the development partner to regenerate a prime brownfield site in Cheltenham into a landmark mixed-tenure residential development.
Currently a surface-level car park, the site on the edge of the town centre was originally purchased by BBS Capital. Wavensmere Homes has bought into the scheme, continuing a successful joint venture relationship between the two firms that started with the £175million Nightingale Quarter in Derby city centre.
The site will deliver around 150 much-needed EPC A-rated new homes, with Glancy Nicholls Architects appointed to design a scheme that reflects the significant opportunity for exemplary placemaking. A planning application comprising a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and ‘pocket parks’ is likely to be ready to submit in autumn 2023.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “The acquisition of this prime site in central Cheltenham could deliver 150 highly sustainable new homes and transform a blot on the landscape in the process. This site has been considered for development for over a decade, with various parties not being able to bring it forward successfully. We are proud to be working alongside BBS Capital to propose a scheme to the Council that overcomes the complexities and will greatly enhance the street scene along North Place and St Margaret’s Road.”
“Our plans for the scheme include both apartments and townhouses, as we want to offer young professionals, families, and older people, appropriate and attainable new homes that enable them to significantly lower their carbon footprint. We are continuing to work alongside all stakeholders and look forward to submitting a full planning application.”
Plans for the four-storey apartment building are designed to be in keeping with the principles of Cheltenham’s Central Conservation Area and consultation with local residents has been held to determine the most suitable appearance to enhance the area.
Nick Spencer, director and Co-Founder at BBS Capital, said: “We are delighted to once again be working with Wavensmere Homes. This site is positioned within a highly desirable area of Cheltenham, where the rich historical context has shaped the design ethos. Located very close to a range of quality restaurants and shops at The Brewery Quarter, the homes being proposed here will be in very high demand. Subject to planning, this multi-million-pound residential project is set to deliver new investment and jobs, while creating highly sustainable homes on brownfield land.”
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, added: ‘’The proposals for the redevelopment of North Place – providing much-needed, attainable homes for professionals, families and older people in an area people want to live and work in – is a shining example of what can be achieved when the borough council and developers work together to realise their ambitions and create something really special for the benefit of Cheltenham.”
“The proposed development at this central, brownfield site is important as it connects key areas of the town together. Good connectivity cuts down on travel times, increases opportunities and health and well-being, reduces isolation and is crucial for the economy. The development will of course have the environment in mind, ensuring the build is sensitive to its surroundings, has rich green spaces to encourage biodiversity and uses modern methods of construction and low carbon materials.’’
