Glenvale Park LLP – the developer behind a vibrant new community on the northern edge of Wellingborough – has revealed details on what residents would most like to see on their doorstep.
The developer surveyed dozens of residents, covering topics including the environment, amenities, housing, transport, and leisure, to see how Glenvale Park can best meet the needs of the town.
The results show community and housing as the town’s top priorities – with community cohesion, spirit, events, and meeting areas cited as key areas of improvement. When asked about housing, respondents gave their views on affordability, size and proximity of local homes to amenities and green spaces.
The insight gained from the survey will be used to inform plans for the 3,000-home neighbourhood – already home to over 100 residents - addressing needs such as affordable housing, jobs, and travel.
Glenvale Park LLP will also use the research to inform how its community engagement initiatives, events and social value programme can make the most impact.
Mark Best, Director of Midtown Capital, Managing Partner of Glenvale Park LLP said:
“The survey results will have a tangible impact in helping to shape the future direction we take at Glenvale Park, so I’d like to thank everyone who took part.
“Through the engagement, we can ensure we’re concentrating efforts in the key places which matter to residents, in areas which we hope will deliver the biggest impact for communities across Wellingborough and beyond.”
Against the survey’s key themes, the community’s top priorities include:
- Affordability – Identified as the most urgent housing issue facing the town. The 675 affordable homes at Glenvale Park account for over 20% of the new homes on the development
- Accessibility to green spaces and proximity to amenities - Glenvale Park will incorporate 200 acres of parkland alongside community facilities, which will also include a nursery, retail facilities and a local community hub
- More training opportunities for school leavers and career guidance for students –The construction of the development has created 898 jobs and the proposed business park expects to create a further 3,000 jobs locally – creating a forecasted £1.4bn economic impact
- Environment and sustainability – Improvements to biodiversity, wildlife and habitats were also seen as key. With 200 acres of parkland and 10,000 trees, the development will seek to focus on this key area of concern in the coming years as the open space develops
- Community priorities, following the pandemic – One-third of respondents said improving physical and mental wellbeing was key as we emerge from the pandemic. Glenvale Park has spent £32.7m to help fund local schools, highways, sport and healthcare facilities, in addition to sponsoring several sports clubs
Developers on-site at Glenvale Park include Stonewater, Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Keepmoat Homes, Persimmon Homes, ilke Homes and Lagan Homes. Care provider LNT recently completed its development at Glenvale Park.
Mark added: “For every £1 spent during construction, the development will create more than £2 of social value for the local community, delivering widespread economic, social and environmental benefits. An example of this in action will be our £500k community playpark, which addresses resident concerns for more community places.
“We also know that affordability is a top priority locally. Stonewater’s arrival at Glenvale Park will bring 148 affordable homes of an excellent standard to our community, comprising a mix of flats and houses for affordable rent, social rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy.
“We hope the action undertaken following the survey will demonstrate our commitment to creating an inclusive, exciting and accessible community in Wellingborough.”
Glenvale Park is located off Niort Way, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6BW. For more information on the development, please visit glenvalepark.co.uk
Glenvale LLP is keen to engage with local community groups to better understand what it can do to help the local community. Any organisations interested in hearing more about Glenvale Park can email glenvalepark@mpc.email.