Contracts have been exchanged marking a significant milestone in the planned transformation of a major brownfield site in Stamford.
South Kesteven District Council and landowner partner Burghley House Preservation Trust Ltd have entered into purchase agreements with Morris Homes, Inspired Living and Burghley Land Ltd for the St Martin’s Park project on the former Cummins site and adjoining land.
The development will feature a designated commercial area; mixed-use area; retirement village; and a range of residential properties, including affordable homes; plus areas of green and open space.
SKDC purchased the Cummins site in 2018 which, combined with adjacent land owned by Burghley House Preservation Trust, makes up the 14.7 hectare development site.
The council secured the site in 2018 in order to ensure part of it would be used to provide jobs following the closure of the Cummins factory, and the designated commercial and mixed use areas will provide office space as well as a convenience store to serve the whole development.
Morris Homes will provide the residential development; Inspired Living the retirement village; and Burghley Land Ltd the commercial development.
SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have reached such a significant milestone on this challenging project.
“This is a major development that will transform a derelict site into a thriving addition to the Stamford community. It will be a high-quality, well-designed and sustainable development with cycle routes and walkways into the town centre.
“It’s important to note that SKDC bought the former Cummins site in order to preserve employment use and we have remained true to that ambition.”
Outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2021 and the next stage in the planning process will see the three developers submit reserved matters applications early in 2025 for their parts of the development, along with an overall scheme to deliver joint infrastructure works on the site, including roads.
Cindy Cade, Group Managing Director, Morris Homes, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Kesteven District Council to bring forward this exciting new development at St Martin's Park in Stamford.
“This mixed-use scheme will offer a collection of premium and affordable homes ranging from two to five bedrooms. They will be designed to suit a range of demographics and lifestyles as well as some of the highest energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
“Following the success of our Cecil Square development, we are thrilled to continue our commitment to quality housing in the area, creating homes that will support the needs and aspirations of the whole community.”
Shaun Whelan, Development Director for Inspired Villages, commented: “The need for more age-appropriate housing for over 65s in the UK is significant.
“We currently operate nine integrated retirement communities in the UK with a further two opening later this year.
“We will use all our experience and knowledge to ensure that when complete, the village in Stamford is a vibrant and thriving space that positively impacts on the lives of residents and the wider community.”
A spokesperson for Burghley House Preservation Trust Ltd said: “We are delighted, alongside our fellow landowners, SKDC, to have exchanged sale contracts for the St Martin’s Park site.
“The project aims to create valuable lifestyle and employment opportunities and reflects Burghley’s commitment to fostering a thriving and dynamic local community.
“We are keen to bring forward this exciting development for Stamford with our trusted development partners, Inspired Villages and Morris Homes, and over the coming months we will be submitting a full reserved matters application which will include detailed design schemes for the site.”
Pictured on-site are, left to right, Burghley House Preservation Trust Head of Land and Property James Tusting; Inspired Villages Development Director Shaun Whelan; Morris Homes Land Director Ben Thorington; SKDC Head of Service (Corporate Projects, Performance and Climate Change) Debbie Roberts; Inspired Villages Apprentice Surveyor Millie McGread; Inspired Villages Development Manager Phil Docherty; SKDC Deputy Chief Executive Richard Wyles; Burghley House Director Miranda Rock; Burghley House Chief Executive David Pennell; Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement Cllr Richard Cleaver; Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter; Inspired Villages General Counsel Louise Read.