Vistry Group has started work to build 169 new properties on the former Transport Research Laboratory site in Crowthorne.
The housebuilder’s plans include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses at Buckler’s Park, as part of the regeneration of the land off Nine Mile Ride.
Vistry is building 85 Bovis Homes properties and 84 Linden Homes properties for private sale, with 17 affordable homes being provided for local people through rent or shared ownership.
Detailed plans for the development were approved by Bracknell Forest Council on 14 December 2022.
Alix Laflin, marketing manager at Vistry Thames Valley, said: “Construction work is progressing well at Buckler’s Park, which will make a significant contribution towards meeting the housing need in this part of Berkshire. We have liaised with the local authority and the broad range of new properties we are providing is designed to suit the various requirements of the community.
“The mix includes smaller properties for young couples and people taking their first steps into home ownership and larger homes for growing families who need more space or buyers needing one or more home offices. The development will be fashioned to blend in with its rural environment and features tree-lined streets and a neighbourhood glade which will act as natural focal point for friends and neighbours to meet and chat outdoors.”
Buckler’s Park will be the fourth residential phase of the project to transform the TRL land, which was used for vehicle testing, research and developing innovations – such as the mini-roundabout and cycle lanes – to improve Britain’s roads and transport from the 1960s.
The wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 1,000 new homes alongside a country park and community facilities.
Alix said: “We plan to launch the site in spring 2023 when we will release the first selection of properties for sale and open a sales office, so that customers can come along and chat to us about the properties we are building. They will also be able to visit the development to see it for themselves and to appreciate the fabulous location which is in the thriving village community of Crowthorne.
“This is a large village which has its own high street featuring shops, pubs and restaurants but still retains a distinctly rural identity. We anticipate that Buckler’s Park will appeal to a wide variety of buyers but particularly families. Parents will be attracted by the countryside setting and the selection of good schools in the area.
“We hope that the first homes will see the owners take up residence in autumn 2023.”
Vistry, which was formed in 2020, includes Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Vistry Partnerships. Vistry Thames Valley is building new homes at locations across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
