Mayor opens new housing scheme in Bedford

On Friday (17th April), the Mayor of Bedford, Frank Branston, officially opened a development of some 2760 new homes in Bedford called Biddenham Vale. The project is being led by housebuilder David Wilson South Midlands and the company’s Regional Managing Director, Richard Brooke joined the Mayor to help officiate proceedings.

The project, which starts in Great Denham, includes a wide mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. Subject to planning consent, the scheme will also include a park and ride facility, new bus stops, a new lower and middle school and a new local centre with a community hall, food store, library, recycling unit, public house and a crèche and significantly, the development of the homes contributes to the construction of the Western Bypass. Two other developers, Barratt Northampton and Lagan Homes are also building properties at the site.

Mr Branston was joined by the Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, Shaun Fields as well as other key members of the local authority, the Homes and Communities Agency, Renaissance Bedford and Aldwyck Housing Group. Directors from David Wilson South Midlands including Managing Director David Bell, Deputy Managing Director Chris Hatfield, Technical Director Guy Caswell and Contracts Manager Richard Taylor, were also on hand to answer questions about the development.

Mr Branston said, “I am delighted to formally open this project which has been intrinsic to facilitating the much needed Western Bypass. This is a vital part of Bedford and I am pleased to see that David Wilson has produced a great looking scheme with some excellent homes.

“It is intended that this development will produce a truly homogenous community and by working alongside David Wilson, the housing association and the Homes and Communities Agency we should achieve the balance of sizes and types of homes that this area needs. Bedford is a very cosmopolitan town and we hope this development will help maintain the peaceful community we have here by catering for all.”

Richard Brooke, Regional Managing Director for David Wilson said, “Biddenham Vale is a landmark development of which we are extremely proud and which we are confident will become a thriving and well used new community. We have worked hard with a number of outside organisations to devise a suitable plan that will bring this new area to life and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Great Denham Parish Council, the newly formed Unitary Bedford Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Aldwyck Housing Group.”

Build work at David Wilson’s sales outlet, called The Fairways on Greenkeepers Drive, has been underway since last autumn and now three show homes are available to view. Interest in The Fairways has been high and already five houses have been sold.

For more information about Biddenham Vale and the homes available visit biddenhamvale.com or dwh.co.uk.