Construction work has commenced on the development of Lotmead, marking a significant milestone in Swindon’s urban expansion.
- The new village is a joint venture between Vistry Group and Sovereign Network Group, aimed at delivering 2,500 homes.
- Lotmead’s development contributes to the broader New Eastern Villages project, set to provide Swindon with 8,000 additional homes.
- First phase includes 214 homes, with a mix of private and affordable properties, and comprehensive community facilities.
- Vistry is investing £60 million into local infrastructure and services, enhancing community connectivity and amenities.
Construction activities have initiated on the expansive new village of Lotmead, situated near Swindon, marking a noteworthy step forward in regional development efforts. The collaboration between Vistry Group and Sovereign Network Group (SNG) underscores a strategic move to address the housing needs in the area.
Representatives from Vistry, SNG, and Swindon Borough Council recently convened to officially commemorate the groundbreaking of this project. Encompassing 2,500 homes, the Lotmead initiative is an integral segment of the New Eastern Villages scheme, a substantial urban regeneration project designed to augment Swindon’s housing supply by 8,000 residences.
The project’s first phase, identified as King George Park, comprises 214 homes spread over a 39-acre area, with contributions from both the private sector and SNG. This phase includes 153 properties earmarked for private sale and 61 designated as affordable homes, facilitating opportunities for low-cost rental and shared ownership.
Highlighting the significance of the development, Supriya Ray, regional managing director of Vistry Cotswolds, emphasised: “The New Eastern Villages scheme is one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in the UK.” The endeavour is poised to fulfil Swindon Borough Council’s aspirations for economic growth and regional development.
Outline planning permission for Lotmead was secured in 2021, with Swindon Borough Council approving detailed plans for the initial 214 homes in June 2024. The planned residences are varied, featuring options from two to five-bedroom houses and one-bedroom apartments, with completion anticipated by summer 2025.
In addition to housing, Vistry’s commitment extends to local infrastructure, reflected in the planned £60 million investment. This includes the development of essential community facilities such as allotments, sports pitches, playgrounds, and the construction of new roads and cycle links.
The Lotmead development marks a pivotal chapter in Swindon’s urban renewal, signifying a robust commitment to advancing regional housing and infrastructure.
