Fair Mile Hospital Redevelopment Gets Go-ahead

Published on 23 June 2010

Plans to regenerate the derelict Fair Mile Hospital site in Cholsey, Oxfordshire, have been approved by South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC).

The masterplan and new build scheme by John Thompson & Partners, and a conversion scheme by Woodfield Brady Architects, have been developed on behalf of landowner Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), developer Linden Homes (part of the Galliford Try Group) and Thomas Homes.

The scheme will transform the Victorian hospital site into a sustainable and vibrant community comprising 354 new homes including refurbished houses and apartments within the retained Grade II hospital buildings, and new homes in part of the surrounding grounds to support the restoration of the listed buildings. In addition, a good mix of commercial, community and leisure facilities as well as the landscaped grounds will be accessible to the wider public.

The new homes will achieve Sustainable Homes Code level 3 and level 4 and 30 per cent will be affordable, offering a mix of social rented and shared-ownership schemes. An enhanced bus service will also serve the site.

Work is planned to start on site in the late summer, with completion of the development planned for 2014. The first homes will be available for occupation in spring 2011.

Angie Paterson, Cabinet Member for planning at South Oxfordshire Council, said: "This development will provide much needed housing for the district including 106 affordable homes for people in housing need. The scheme strikes a good balance as local residents will have use of the beautiful grounds and facilities such as the hall, cricket pitch and pavilion. This is a very positive development, achieving a good balance between housing, heritage and regeneration."

Related Projects

Fairmile Hospital,
Cholsey, UK

Reuse of Historic Building & Place
Stage: Completed