Former Stewartby Brickworks Site

The former Stewartby Brickworks site is an ongoing redevelopment turning a former factory into a new and sustainable residential site, involving roughly 1,000 homes, schools and community provisions such as a heritage centre and community hub.

This development also involves complicated S106 requirements, vital Section 278 works for local road network upgrades and access improvements including the construction of a revised roundabout at the site’s former main entrance. This also includes pedestrian and cycle paths, a bridge over the railway line and construction of a new primary road access point.

The Challenges and Solutions

Due to the railway line splitting the site area into two, an initial application to obtain a BAPA (valued at £30,000) was undertaken along with remediation works and consistent engagement with Network Rail to ensure clear communication and precise coordination. A bridge across the railway line is being built to connect both sides of the development. For the remediation works, a full spectrum consultancy team has been employed from the initial ground investigation to the earthworks strategy. We also managed the tender process, tendering out to suitable contractors for the development. Consistent and ongoing liaison with the Local Authority is vital, as well as compliance with the complicated S106 requirements.

Due to the ecological significance of the site, we employed FPCR ecology consultants and have worked alongside them throughout to undertake surveying and provide mitigation plans for the site. A planning application for a bat kiln has also been submitted, providing alternative roosting habitats for bats currently residing near the site, as well as acknowledging the industrial heritage of the site.

This project is still ongoing and with Wakemans’ role in the development, is aimed to be completed by 2030.