New homes in Basingstoke have historic links
Taylor Wimpey’s Limes Park development of property for sale in Basingstoke is keeping alive the heritage of a former hospital site.
Leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is going to great lengths to ensure the transformation of an important historical site into a new community of homes in Basingstoke is carried out with great care and sensitivity.
Limes Park, a collection of high-quality flats and houses for sale in Basingstoke, is revitalising the former Park Prewett Hospital estate, which was bought by English Partnerships in 2005.
Taylor Wimpey is working closely with English Partnerships, now known as the Homes and Communities Agency, to ensure the original masterplan which secured its bid to create new property in Basingstoke on the site, in the heart of a conservation area on the north west fringes of the town, is realised to its full potential.
The estate is close to the hearts of many people in the area, thanks to its rich and varied history.
A working farm has always occupied the site since Tudor times, and Park Prewett Farm was retained when the site was purchased in 1899 as part of plans for a hospital.
Up until 1997, the Park Prewett Hospital, which was designed by the noted architect George T Hine, served the local and wider community.
The intervention of the First World War saw it used as a military hospital for Canadian servicemen, and when war was declared again in 1939, all but 80 patients were evacuated and it reverted to a military hospital. It was here that Sir Harold Gillies carried out many of his pioneering plastic surgery techniques.
Key features of the hospital estate are its fine Edwardian buildings, expansive landscaped grounds and mature trees. The task of retaining its character has fallen to Taylor Wimpey, which has been working under the supervision of English Heritage to ensure the buildings and landscapes of historical significance are preserved.
The striking red brick water tower, a recognisable landmark that’s visible for miles around, is being preserved, as is the clock tower and central hall.
A reminder of the farm which once served Park Prewett remains thanks to the retention of a Grade II listed barn on the eastern side of Limes Park.
Retention of mature trees, flora and fauna has been a key part of preserving the character of the site, which takes its name from the beautiful lime trees within the grounds. An avenue of trees has also been newly planted, adding to the leafy feel of Limes Park, which itself is surrounded by a belt of mature beech and sycamore trees.
The development includes designated cycle routes, public open spaces and new bus services to connect with main routes and provide an alternative to the car for residents.
Basingstoke town centre is just two miles away, and combines historical influences with bustling modern shops and exciting leisure pursuits, while Festival Place shopping centre comprises more than 150 shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
The town is also home to a choice of music venues, multi-screen cinemas, tennis courts, a leisure park, sports clubs, an ice rink, a swimming pool and bowling alleys. The open countryside is also just a stone’s throw away, offering nature trails and opportunities for woodland walks and cycling.
To view detailed designs of the brand new homes now on sale at Limes Park, visit the Sales Information Centre, located at 1 Peggs Way, Park Village, Basingstoke, and open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.
