Wichelstowe is a residential development and urban extension on the southern edge of the town of Swindon in South West England, constructed from 2006. Located north of the M4 motorway between junction 16 and Croft Road, Wichelstowe has three neighbourhoods: East, Middle and West Wichel. The development will comprise up to 4500 homes, employment space, public open space, shopping, community facilities for residents and various schools. In 2014 it was described as the country's largest housing project on public-owned land.
History
The medieval history of the site is reflected in the name: Wichel is the original name of the area as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and stowe is an Old English word meaning "meeting place". In 1995 the first proposals for the site were put forward for consideration by Wiltshire County Council as structure planning authority. The following year, the first public proposal for the site considered a comprehensive development to help meet Swindon's housing needs up to 2011. In 2001Front GardenAction Group and Bloor Homes launched an unsuccessful High Court challenge against the Structure Plan and the green light was effectively given for Wichelstowe to go ahead. An extensive programme of public consultation was undertaken on the proposals by Taylor Woodrow and an outline planning application submitted in 2002. Infrastructure works commenced on site in 2006. The first home occupations in East Wichel took place in 2009.
Development
Wichelstowe began as a collaboration between Swindon Borough Council and Taylor Wimpey to jointly provide and finance infrastructure. This agreement was re-shaped in the early part of 2009 into a new co-operation agreement; both parties now operate independently but in a mutually supportive way to develop the site. Taylor Wimpey continues with its responsibility to develop East Wichel, with Swindon Borough Council responsible for Middle and West Wichel.
East Wichel
East Wichel, the eastern quarter, is owned by Taylor Wimpey who operate independently with support from Swindon Borough Council. 830 homes are due for completion in this area of the development, and all development is expected to be finished by 2016.
A Marston's pub/restaurant called The Bayberry opened in 2012.
Middle and West Wichel
All development land in this area is currently owned by Swindon Borough Council. The council will form an equal joint venture partnership with a successful bidder for the residential development of 3600 homes, 12 hectares of employment land and a new District Centre, after a bidder is chosen in 2014. A Waitrose supermarket, in Middle Wichel, opened its doors to the public in 2014.
