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Planning permission has been given the go-ahead for 'The Forum', a residential-led development that will deliver 226 much needed build-to-rent homes and a new public realm in the heart of Stevenage.
The scheme developed by J Group, Leo Homes and V Fund will revitalise an underused part of town and play an important role in connecting the old and the new town. The site had previously been occupied by Office Outlet and has remained vacant since 2019.
The PRP-designed scheme comprises a single residential block of varying heights split into two cores with ground and first floor communal area, podium level external amenity and communal rooftop terraces with commercial activity on the ground floor. The communal south facing podium garden as well as the roof terraces will help to build a sense of community within the development.
The plans have been carefully developed so as not to interfere with key views and to ensure the building makes a positive contribution to the neighbourhood. The residential units are designed to the highest standards. The form and architectural approach reference the modernist new town heritage of Stevenage.
The development will revitalise the streetscape on Fairlands Way with an increased residential presence. As part of the proposals, the design team will improve the public realm in the area, including enhancing the existing Fairlands Way underpass for members of the public.
PRP provided architectural, landscape and development consultancy services on the scheme.
Robert High, Associate Director at PRP, commented: "We are thrilled to be involved in this project that will bring much needed regeneration to this part of Stevenage. The aim of the team has been to create a safe and active street environment, together with high-quality homes that add to the vibrancy of the New Town."
Bob Pecotic, Director at Leo Homes, said: "All of us here at Leo, J Group and V Fund are delighted to be involved in such a progressive urban regeneration project in a great town that is undergoing an exciting transformation, we couldn't have done it without our amazing team, including Richard Quelch at Q Square and our brilliant architects PRP."
