Proposals
Our vision for Stewartby
A masterplan is being prepared to meet the local needs of Stewartby, a vision that delivers much needed homes and community spaces, while celebrating the heritage of the site. Our masterplan follows on from, and builds on, the outline planning permission granted in 2021.
The proposals will also offer improved connectivity to the surrounding areas, and a network of public green spaces that will promote wellbeing and and active lifestyle to the new neighbourhood and the existing communities.
Green Lane
Stewartby Way
Marston Vale Middle School
Dave Law Sports Pavillion
Broadmead Road
Key features
A new vibrant neighbourhood celebrating a rich history
Our vision is for a new vibrant neighbourhood which celebrates a rich history. Harworth’s emerging masterplan seeks to deliver on the outline planning permission through effective re-use of previously developed land with the following key principles:
- Diverse housing and amenities: Providing up to 1,000 much needed homes, which will include 30% affordable homes.
- Celebrating heritage: Delivery of a comprehensive heritage strategy, to honour the site’s history and create a lasting legacy.
- Networks of green infrastructure: Establishing a network of public open spaces, wildlife corridors, and sustainable drainage.
- Improved connectivity and accessibility: Creating new pedestrian and cycle paths, including a new bridge across the railway, to connect the development with the surrounding area and promote sustainable forms of transport.
- Community focus: Building a new neighbourhood that respects the site’s heritage, fosters a sense of place, and integrates with the existing community. This will include the proposed community hub and a play space for all.
Neighbourhood
Delivering a community that is more than just homes
At the heart of our proposals is a district centre. This will create a bustling neighbourhood where everyone feels part of a community. We hope that the centre will include a local shop and other community facilities, such as outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy, childcare facilities, and meeting spots.
This is designed to bring people together and make this a vibrant place to live for both new and existing residents.
New homes
High-quality housing that meets local needs
Our masterplan includes up to 1,000 homes, this includes 30% affordable homes, designed to blend seamlessly within the community. We’ll work with the local council to decide the exact mix of affordable housing types.
Landscaping
Landscape proposals that priorities public green open space
Our development is not just about homes but also about creating vibrant community spaces.
- Enhance and reinforce the peripheral landscape buffers surrounding the site.
- Create green, pedestrian/cycle- friendly connections between all development parcels.
- Incorporation of sustainable drainage system features to manage run-off and maximise biodiversity.
- A coordinated palette of street furniture that responds to the heritage setting.
- Provide play opportunities for all age groups, from toddlers to teenagers to adults.
- Ensure all residents live within walking distance of play facilities.
- Promote inclusivity, with facilities designed for children of all abilities.
- Provide visual and acoustic screening to the adjacent industrial uses to the west of the site.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity enrichment
The development will prioritise ecological enhancement through a detailed strategy, this includes:
- Retaining existing boundary trees.
- Establishing green corridors.
- Creating diverse habitats to boost biodiversity.
- Integrated drainage systems will incorporate wetlands for added ecological benefits.
- Construction of purpose-built bat houses and the installation of bat and bird boxes to support local wildlife populations.
Active travel
Fostering active living in Stewartby
We want to make walking and cycling the easy and enjoyable choice. That means creating dedicated, safe paths alongside our roads, not just making it harder to drive. We’re designing streets that work well for everyone, whether you’re walking, cycling, or using a wheelchair or pushing a children’s buggy. Good connections are key to a friendly and accessible community.
The proposed development features a comprehensive access strategy, including a revised roundabout at the former main entrance to the site, a potential new roundabout on Green Lane to serve the development and Kimberley College, a new road access opposite Park Crescent, and a crucial new bridge across the railway line, designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, thereby significantly enhancing connectivity within and beyond the site.
Economic growth for Stewartby
Providing opportunity for the future of the town and region
The development is projected to generate jobs, attract investment, and stimulate local supply chains through varied employment opportunities during and after construction.
The former Stewartby Brickworks is set become a vibrant and sustainable new settlement south of Bedford, strategically positioned within the proposed Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc, providing opportunity and growth to those in the South Bedford area.
Timeline
How will the project move forward?
2008
Stewartby Brickworks closed down.
2018
Listed building consent granted for demolition of chimneys and firing chambers of the kilns.
2021
Outline planning permission granted, to bring forward 1000 new homes, new employment spaces, flexible retail and community spaces and improved landscaping. Listed building consent also granted for the demolition of existing buildings other than the kiln walls and the LBC HQ building.
September 2024
Harworth Group acquires the site.
Autumn 2024
Ongoing: Harworth commences site investigation works to prepare for homes to come forward.
April 2025
Harworth bring forward masterplan proposals for the site, this is supported by a design code, development brief and phasing plan.
Late Spring 2025
Formal submission of Development Brief, Design Code and Phasing Plan followed by a later reserved matters application for some enabling and infrastructure works.
Mid 2027
Housebuilder on site in Phase 1, to start building works.
Early 2028
First house occupied on Stewartby Brickworks.