Harworth cements deal at Stewartby brickworks site

Harworth has acquired a £400m brownfield development site in Stewartby, Bedfordshire, from Heidelberg Materials. Located close to Bedford town centre, the 130-acre site has outline planning consent for 1,000 homes, along with associated infrastructure, a school and community provisions. The site was formerly the world’s largest brickworks, dating back to the early 1900s. It remained in operation until 2008. Plans for the redevelopment incorporate historic elements, with the Grade II listed kilns being partially retained and an iconic Stewartby chimney being reconstructed. The development will also include 3.2 acres of employment land, a primary school and pre-school, a heritage centre and various community facilities. Nick Madden, a partner in the development land team at Knight Frank, said: “The sale of the Stewartby site is a significant milestone in the regeneration of this historic industrial area. With its excellent transport links, including proximity to the A421 and the Marston Vale Railway line – which is set to benefit from the East West Rail project – this development will create a thriving new community. “The mix of housing, employment land and community facilities will breathe new life into Stewartby while preserving elements of its important industrial heritage. Not without its significant complexities, it has been a real team effort to complete the sale and I very much look forward to seeing the development delivered.” Image © Knight Frank