Plans for a residential square, with a centralised community green, are in the pipeline for Cheltenham's North Place car park.
If the vision from Glancy Nicholls Architects gets the go-ahead, 300 car parking spaces could become one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and ‘pocket parks’ with the heart of the site car free.
With a mission to breathe new life and create a more vibrant neighbourhood in the area, Wavensmere Homes has been confirmed as the development partner for the site that was originally purchased by BBS Capital, as part of a joint venture.
The 13,400 square metre land has been used as a car park for many years, with many commuters relying on its 300 spaces for its central location and reasonable parking prices.
The prime brownfield site is part of the council's wider plans to reconnect areas of the town, create more employment opportunities, support economic growth as well as attracting and retain the younger generation.
Leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, Councillor Rowena Hay, said: 'The proposed development at this central, brownfield site is important as it connects key areas of the town together. Good connectivity cuts down on travel times, increases opportunities and health and wellbeing, reduces isolation and is crucial for the economy.
'The development will have the environment in mind, ensuring the build is sensitive to its surroundings, has rich green spaces to encourage biodiversity and uses modern methods of construction and low carbon materials.'
Nick Spencer, director, and co-founder at BBS Capital said: 'This site is positioned within a highly desirable area of Cheltenham, where the rich historical context has shaped the design ethos.
'Located very close to the range of quality restaurants and shops at The Brewery Quarter and also within walking distance of the train station, the homes being proposed here will be in very high demand.
'Subject to planning, this multi-million-pound residential
project is set to deliver new investment and jobs, while creating highly
sustainable homes on brownfield land.'
A green corridor is planned for the centre of the development, in an attempt to boost biodiversity and introduce sustainable draining opportunities.
A planning application will be submitted to the planning committee later this year.
