West London NHS Trust (the “Trust”), advised by planning and development consultancy Montagu Evans, is bringing to market the old Broadmoor Hospital site in Crowthorne, Berkshire, presenting a significant development opportunity to create a thriving ‘new working village’ amongst the leafy Berkshire countryside.
The development opportunity, which will be residential-led, comprises circa 60 acres within the former secure perimeter wall, including approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of Grade II listed buildings, which include a chapel, kitchen garden and expansive terraces. The site boasts exceptional three-county views across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.
This site has been adopted into the local plan, underpinned by a masterplan created by BDP in 2011 that included 210 new build homes, 60 apartments for later/supported living, a 60-bed care home and 4,200 sq. m. for an R&D facility.
In addition to this, there are also circa 32 acres outside of the secure perimeter to be allocated for Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) – one of the Thames Valley’s Special Protection Areas to mitigate against the development of the surplus former hospital site.
Award-winning architecture practice LDA Design has prepared a revised residential-led masterplan for the site, which includes between 251-332 new build homes, 33 later-living apartments, 56 converted apartments within the Grade II listed building, a 60-bed care home and flexible workspace. Owing to shifting market conditions and requirements, the R&D facility is no longer deemed a priority by the Trust.
The historic Victorian facility, which dates back 160 years, was replaced by a modern building and grounds on a secured, screened, adjacent site, with the new hospital opening in December 2019.
Vanessa Lee, Head of Property & Major Transactions at West London NHS Trust, comments: “The old Broadmoor Hospital site represents a rare and significant opportunity to deliver a thriving new working village that is respectful of the site’s heritage, yet fit for the needs of modern life. We envisage a healthy new and diverse community with homes to suit differing needs from first-time buyers to retirees and amenities that allow the village to be largely self-sustaining.”
“The combination of restored Victorian buildings with exceptional countryside views, gardens and contemporary housing, all with easy access to nature, makes for a highly compelling proposition.”
Howard Williams, Partner at Montagu Evans, adds: “This is a rare opportunity to bring forward a major Thames Valley site for high-quality residential redevelopment. The launch represents the culmination of years of hard work between the Trust and the wider project team, and we look forward to exploring meaningful opportunities with interested parties who can appreciate this new vision and future direction.”
For further information regarding the commercial opportunity, please contact Howard Williams at Montagu Evans: howard.williams@montagu-evans.co.uk or 07825 114 879.
