An example of a project where Dorchester Regeneration has acquired outright the site and is developing under its own brand, our development at Heyford Park, Oxfordshire, is a former US and RAF airbase that we are transforming into a modern take on the traditional countryside village.

We acquired the site in 2009 and gained initial consent for 1,075 homes, and now have a strategic allocation for a further 1,600 more.

The Masterplan comprises a village green, extensive leisure and retail facilities and a new free school. We also took on the management of the commercial zone and business park, and have become a Registered Social Landlord to manage the on-site social housing. Consideration was given to the affordability of homes, with many starter homes delivered in the early stages.

With considerable development being undertaken in and around Bicester, our project team has paid particular attention to differentiating Heyford Park from neighbouring developments, with a focus on design quality, quality of the living environment and access to amenities.

As community builders, our approach focuses on providing a wide range of facilities and amenities, creating the foundations for Heyford Park’s reputation as a desirable and forward-thinking destination. We have been working closely with the local community as a founding member of the Mid Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan; together with other stakeholders, including Historic England, Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and The Local Enterprise Partnership, we have created an innovative new Masterplan.

Heyford Park has considerable heritage significance, both to the local community and to the US Air Force. A great emphasis has therefore been placed on not just maintaining the history of the site, but embracing its historical and cultural importance through effective master planning with a new heritage park and our creative city concept.

www.heyfordpark.com