Edge of settlement masterplanning

HNW were invited to develop proposals for the expansion of Thatcham in West Berkshire including 2,500 new homes arranged around three new local centres.

Located on the north east edge of the town, the four interconnected land parcels were connected by the A4 to the south and included a new secondary school and two new primary schools, along with leisure and employment uses, retail and health services, and an expansive new country park to create truly sustainable communities that promote active lifestyles.

The site itself was complex with listed heritage assets, extensive flood mitigation and blue infrastructure requirements, as well as being bounded by ancient woodland and historic field patterns and with a sloping topography rising up to three key hilltop viewpoints overlooking the River Kennet valley.