Former cattle market site acquired for development

After years of speculation and planning issues a 6.75 acre site in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon has been acquired by Redrow Homes who will now develop the multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

As well as bringing new homes and business opportunities to the area, developer Redrow Homes (South Midlands) will be contributing to improving local education and transport links.

But it won’t all be out with the old and in with the new – as Redrow will be retaining the site’s 19th century heritage by integrating one of the many horse troughs placed around the town between 1850 and 1900 in an effort to raise the standard of animal welfare.

The former cattle market site, off Alcester Road, has planning consent to build 197 homes in a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and three storey, three-bedroom townhouses, including 59 social housing units. The development will also include 34,000 sq ft of retail and commercial units.

Debbie Low, land manager for Redrow Homes (South Midlands) says: “We’re very excited to have acquired this site and we’re looking forward to developing the plans to make it into a place where people will be able to find their perfect home or office space.

“We will be directly involved in strengthening the local transport links at the train station which is integrated into the site, including building more parking spaces and developing a bus interchange and taxi rank. We will also be contributing to improvements in education for the local area.”

The development is in a fantastic location for those working in Stratford town centre or the surrounding area, with road links via the A46 and A429. The train station is ideally situated adjacent to the development and gives a journey time of around 50 minutes to Birmingham.

Debbie adds: “We think that the great location will really appeal to commercial buyers as well as those looking for a home close to the action within commutable distance of their job. The plans may include a sandwich shop or coffee shop, meaning that buyers and railway passengers won’t have to go far for a bite to eat. Stratford is such a beautiful place to live and offers a range of activities, amenities and days out, which makes it the perfect place to set up home.”

The setting also benefits from the amenities of Stratford town centre, including a variety of shops from antique to fashion to books, a library, post office, plenty of places to eat and drink, a cinema and beautiful gardens.

As the birthplace of William Shakespeare, history and culture seep from all corners of Stratford, attracting thousands of tourists each year. They are entertained by the Falstaff’s Experience museum, the Holy Trinity church, Harvard House – a property from the 16th century now owned by Harvard University, boating on the river Avon, Stratford’s Butterfly Farm and Jungle Safari and Cox’s Yard gallery, amongst others.

Building is expected to start at the development in summer 2008 with a sales launch later that year.

To register interest in this forthcoming development, e-mail southmidlands.sales@redrow.co.uk.

For general information about Redrow and its properties log onto Redrow.co.uk.