Plans for the first development phase of the former RAF Locking site, approved recently by North Somerset Council,will provide a catalyst for the development of 6,000 sq ft of office accommodation, 100 new homes, a 14,000 sq ft office building and a 30,000 sq ft Innovation Centre.

The site, which has been owned and managed by South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the Homes and Communities Agency(HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency, and appointed development partner St Modwen, is now ready for the planned regeneration of the entire 200-acre site.

-- Advertisement --

While the long-term project is expected to take over 20 years to complete, it is set to create up to 1,600 new jobs and provide up to 1,500 new homes as well as 2.7 million sq ft of employment space, including a 430,000 sq ft business park.

RAF Locking, renamed Locking Parklands, was acquired by HCA and SWRDA in 2002 following the closure of RAF Locking as a training base in 1998. St Modwen was chosen by the HCA and SWRDA as the preferred developer for the site in October 2008.

Colin Molton, Director of the HCA in the South West, said: "Planning approval for Phase One of Locking Parklands is a very important decision for the future regeneration of the area. As owners of the site we have worked closely with our partners SWRDA, St. Modwen, North Somerset Council and the local community, to ensure it’s a place where people will choose to live and work. We are very committed to ensuring that the development meets local housing and employment needs and ambitions."

(CD/GK)