Stevenage Borough Council and ECF, a joint venture between L&G, Homes England and Muse, have partnered to create a new residential and commercial quarter near Stevenage rail station.
The Station Gateway project will see infrastructure upgrades, around 1,000 new homes, workspace, education and innovation space, retail, hospitality and public spaces delivered in the town centre.
The project aims to support existing businesses, create new opportunities and boost the town’s long-term economic growth.
Additionally, the project aims to better connect the station to the town centre and provide skills and development opportunities for local people.
Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Station Gateway is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to further invest in our town centre to shape our economy and communities for decades to come.
“Successful places regenerate themselves and it’s right that we continue to invest in Stevenage to enhance and maintain our reputation as a world-class commercial hub and a great place to live.
“Significant investment in the train station, new homes, offices and innovation space, retail, leisure and public spaces will deliver a dynamic new mixed-use community.”
Henry added: “This partnership with ECF will allow us to bring forward a vision and masterplan, keeping our businesses and local communities at the centre of proposals as we continue to make Stevenage Even Better.”
Sir Michael Lyons, chair at ECF, said: “Stevenage Borough Council is a bold and ambitious local authority. Station Gateway is at the heart of the council’s vision for the town centre.
“It is a unique opportunity for infrastructure-led regeneration which will not only deliver new homes – including affordable homes – for all the whole community but continue to promote Stevenage as a fantastic location for businesses to invest and grow.
“Stevenage is undergoing a £1bn transformation of its town centre, delivering a mixed-use space reflecting the needs and aspirations of its people, businesses and recognising its new town heritage and spirit.”
Lyons added: “With the support of the Stevenage Development Board, Station Gateway is the next stage on this journey and marks the latest milestone in the evolution of the town.”
Adrian Hawkins, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said: “The Stevenage Development Board is delighted that this projects funding request has progressed to a point where we will be able to deliver such an important project for England’s first new Town.
“The development board has invested considerable time and effort in bringing the parties together such that Network Rail are keen to see a new railway station and the ECF is ready to support the plans developed and managed by Muse.
“An initial investment of £6 million has already been made by the Stevenage Development Board, the Station Gateway will be an exciting new area ensuring full connection with the Leisure Park and the Town’s central spaces, delivering maximum benefit to the people and the businesses in Stevenage and the locality.”
