The relocation of the DeMontfort University from central Bedford has created an opportunity to re-establish a residential quarter within the Poet’s Conservation Area.
The site is currently occupied by a range of education and sports facilities which will be removed and replaced with new townhomes, flats, and assisted living and sheltered housing. The scheme will also include renovation of public open space in the area and the provision of local retail facilities. The study area sits adjacent to a group of Victorian villas which had in recent times been subdivided for use as student accommodation. These villas are being redeveloped for single family use as part of a comprehensive plan for the area.
Halcrow’s role in this project included overall planning coordination, urban design and master planning for the 2.2 hectare site, and the concept architecture for 230 new residential units.
The project team has undertaken pre-application consultations with the community and Planning Authorities, and is awaiting determination of the planning application.