Savills, acting on behalf of master developer Places for People (PfP), alongside JLL acting for Barratt Redrow, have helped secure a major joint venture to deliver one of the UK’s largest placemaking schemes in recent decades.
The partnership between PfP and Barratt Redrow will bring forward six interconnected villages on the edge of Gilston, East Herts, set within 660 hectares of public open space, including restored parkland, meadows and woodland.
The development is planned to deliver 8,500 homes, of which at least 1,950 will be affordable, and is intended to support long-term housing needs in the area, including provision for local families, first-time buyers and key workers.
Alongside housing, the scheme is expected to generate more than £6bn for the UK economy and support thousands of jobs and apprenticeships. Plans also include 29,000 sqm of commercial space, as well as schools, leisure facilities, community hubs and over 15km of heritage trails.
Peter Blake, head of the national development consultancy team within Savills Operational Capital Markets, and Andy Redman advised PfP on the transaction. JLL acted for Barratt Redrow.
Blake said: “The agreement brings together PfP’s master developer expertise with Barratt Redrow’s reputation as the UK’s leading homebuilder and represents a step change in how new communities are delivered – highlighting the strength of collaboration and ambitious thinking.
Redman commented: “The development promises to provide much needed new homes while supporting the existing community with additional facilities and outside space and we look forward to seeing how the plans come to fruition.”
Greg Reed, CEO of Places for People, said: “Our vision for this development is a new blueprint for modern garden towns, shaped by deep community insight and a commitment to doing things the right way from day one.
“By combining Places for People’s long-term stewardship and social value approach with Barratt Redrow’s exceptional capability to deliver homes at scale and like-minded approach to social value, we can accelerate one of the most significant new communities in the UK.
“This partnership unlocks delivery at a pace and scale that neither organisation could achieve alone and ensures we deliver the infrastructure, green space and high-quality homes that people deserve.”
David Thomas, chief executive at Barratt Redrow, added: “Working with Places for People offers the opportunity to show what large-scale, responsible, community-led development looks like.
“Our new joint venture will deliver up to 8,500 new homes, featuring our three brands, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow, plus Places for People, so giving customers the best possible choice for their new home. This is a once-in-a-generation project where we can create a modern garden town, connecting people to nature, and growing with the community.”
