New village centre takes shape

Progress is continuing on the development of Tabard Square, the new village centre being created in Stoke Poges by Persimmon Homes Thames Valley. Persimmon Homes is realising the creation of Tabard Square in line with the planning consent.

Attractively arranged around a central village green, the development will re-provide the existing community facilities of a library, post office, doctors’ surgery, pharmacy and retail units, whilst also integrating new residential apartments and a central village green.

The developer is currently implementing a reduced level dig in preparation for ground works for the retail and residential elements of the scheme. Early construction hit delays after an electric sub station had to be relocated, however this has now been completed. Full ground works will commence at the end of November and it is anticipated that these will take approximately six months, with works on the super structure of the retail and residential elements following thereafter.

With retail and residential units expected to rise from the ground in the spring, Persimmon Homes is currently progressing matters with several interested retailers. Ashley House Medical Properties PLC has acquired the long lease hold on the medical centre at Tabard Square, the build of which is expected to be completed in the spring.

The three residential apartment buildings have been given historical links to Stoke Poges via their postal names - Thomas House, Giles House and Gray House. Sales of these 32 one and two bedroom properties, each with convenient basement parking, are expected to begin in the New Year. An onsite marketing suite will be opening late January, allowing house hunters a first glimpse at the exclusive properties being created.

The new library at Tabard Square will be housed within the same building as 12,000 sq ft of new retail floor space with a car park located in the basement to conceal vehicles from public view. The upper level of the building will contain ten shared ownership properties, designed to meet the village’s affordable housing requirement. The contract for managing these properties has been signed with Paradigm Housing Association.

“Works are progressing well at Tabard Square and Stoke Poges’ residents will be able to watch their new community centre rise from the ground in the New Year,” commented Jon Regent, Land Director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley. “As with all construction projects, it is the time-consuming preparation of the ground and laying of the foundations which gives the impression of a slow start. Developments such as this, which feature a basement, will always appear much slower in progress than those which have surface car parking as the initial works are much greater.

“Tabard Square is bringing a number of much needed community facilities back to Stoke Poges, alongside a new range of apartments and a village green, which together will create a highly attractive and vibrant new village centre for the enjoyment of existing and future residents,” he concluded.