The developer leading the Manydown scheme in Basingstoke has released the first images showing the residential gateway to the new community. The project will ultimately deliver more than 3,500 homes in Hampshire.
Manydown is being brought forward by master developer Urban&Civic, working in partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. Alongside housing, the plans include a 250 acre countryside park, two primary schools, community facilities, and land safeguarded for a future secondary school.
The newly published images are based on a detailed planning application and offer an early view of how the entrance to the Manydown Basingstoke development could look. The designs show new homes set around a large pond, with wildflower planting, trees and a network of connected routes for walking and cycling.
According to Urban&Civic, the gateway forms part of a wider system of green spaces that will be accessible to both residents and the surrounding community. The landscaping and layout are intended to reflect local character while supporting active travel into and out of Basingstoke.
David Ainsworth, project director at Urban&Civic, said: “The gateway to Manydown sets the tone for the whole development, so we’re pleased to share the first image of how this important space will look.
“It forms part of a wider network of accessible green spaces that residents and the wider community will enjoy.
“The design reflects Hampshire’s character, from the pond inspired by the county’s landscape heritage to sculptural flint walls that give a contemporary twist to familiar local materials.
“Just as importantly, the layout encourages walking and cycling, with clear connections to Basingstoke town centre, helping create a welcoming, well-connected place where people can put down roots and enjoy everything Manydown has to offer.”
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has described the gateway as a key moment in the delivery of the Manydown Basingstoke development. The council has emphasised an infrastructure led approach to creating the new settlement.
Cllr Onnalee Cubitt, cabinet member for major projects and regeneration at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “This year is going to be truly exciting for Manydown.
“This gateway is more than just an entrance – it represents the beginning of the creation of new communities that have been designed with care and ambition.
“Our focus has been an infrastructure-led approach from the start.
“From beautiful green spaces where people can connect to homes that celebrate the best of our towns and villages, every detail matters.
“At Manydown, we are committed to creating thriving places to live, work and visit and to set the standard for how new communities should be created, with sustainability and beauty at its heart.”
Hampshire County Council has also highlighted progress on site and the role of partnership working in delivering new homes. The authority has reiterated its support for the Manydown Basingstoke development as construction activity continues.
Cllr Nick Adams-King, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “It’s great to see this new community beginning to take shape, and the progress and careful detail going into making Manydown a modern, well-connected and welcoming place to live, with vibrant green spaces and accessible and enjoyable routes for walking and cycling.
“We are very much committed to our ongoing work with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Urban&Civic to bring this much-needed new housing to the area.”
Enabling works on the gateway began last year, with construction now moving onto Roman Road. Public drop in events are planned for Friday 6 March and Saturday 7 March, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about the project and its next stages.
