Stevenage: Work to bring 536 new flats to former Matalan site begins

The Guinness Partnership hosted the event to celebrate the first phase of its development in Danesgate.

The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s head of development delivery, Denise Mulligan, and Lovell regional managing director, Mick Laws as well as representatives from Stevenage Borough Council.

The first phase of the development is due to be completed by the end of 2024 or start of 2025 (Image: Guinness Partnership)

Cllr Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “It will be great to see work under way on this site, which forms an important part of the overall vision we have for Stevenage town centre.

"We are transforming the town by introducing new facilities, town centre living, transport infrastructure and activities for all, and our successful partnership working with The Guinness Partnership is helping this to be realised.” 

Read more

• Demolition work begins on former Matalan site to make way for flats
• Plans for new block of flats on Matalan site gets green light

Lovell Partnerships, the appointed contractors, will be starting construction at the site - which was granted planning permission in 2021.

Thanks to additional funding from Homes England, the overall plans involve the construction of 526 one and two-bedroom apartments, along with 779 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level.

The delivery of the new development will take place in phases, the first of which being two blocks located on the eastern part of the site facing Danestrete and the top end of Danesgate.

Bird’s eye view of proposed development with Lytton Way in the foreground and showing relationship with the intended SG1 masterplan in background (Image: Guinness Partnership)

Phase 1 will provide 143 one and two-bedroom apartments and all new homes will be offered as affordable tenures.

It will also include one of the internal landscaped gardens serving the development.  

The expected construction programme for the first phase is completion by the end of 2024/early 2025. Future phases are expected to follow from 2025 onwards. 

View of proposed internal courtyard showing tower element and perimeter (Image: Guinness Partnership)

Global professional services company, Turner & Townsend - who also attended the ground breaking ceremony - is Guinness’s project manager and employer's agent for the contract.

Jon Milburn, group development director at The Guinness Partnership, said: “We are pleased to start work on this important residential-led regeneration project which very much complements the borough council’s ambitions for a vibrant and revitalised town centre.

"We are grateful for the support and positive approach of Stevenage Borough Council since we first acquired the site, as well as Homes England who have injected vital financial backing to make this project a reality in a challenging economic climate.”  

View of the approved development from the junction of Danestrete and Danesgate (Image: Guinness Partnership)

Mick Laws at Lovell Partnerships added: “We are delighted to be partnering Guinness on this construction project which will create a significant number of jobs on-site.

"We are supporters of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and will ensure, as we always do, that we engage positively with the local community to minimise construction impacts.” 

Finally, Jonathan Edmondson from Homes England, said: “Homes England is committed to supporting partners that have ambitions to build new homes and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that.

"The development of the Matalan site is clear evidence of the impact our strategic partnership with Guinness is having in providing much needed new homes in Stevenage.”