HISTORY
- Sagar House was a 1960's 2 storey office building extending to 1,724 sq m set within 6.79 acres of landscaped grounds which until February 2008 was the headquarters for Pontins Ltd.
- The layout, age of the building and modern competing office schemes within the area combined with the downturn in the economic market dictated that the continued commercial use of the property was not viable.
- The building contained significant levels of asbestos, the extent and location of which was addressed through and invasive building survey.
- Northern Trust has previously secured planning consent on the northern parcel of the site, accessed via New Street.
APPROACH
- Although the site is not allocated for employment, given the historic use, Northern trust opened a detailed consultation with the Local Authority to discuss the best re-use of the site.
- Consultants were appointed to form a masterplan which takes into consideration the unique ecological, environmental and physical contraints presented by the site.
- The public consultation was held to inform local residents of the proposed redevelopment of the site during which a number of illustrative layouts were presented for comment.
- During the consultation participants provided a number of constructive comments that were used in conjunction with a further consultation with the Local Authority to produce a final masterplan for the site.
- Outline permission was secured by Northern Trust followed by detailed permission by Barratt Homes.
STATUS
- Following the grant of planning permission the site was sold to Barratt Homes for development to commence in 2011.
- A total of 70 houses will be constructed by Barratt Homes including 30% affordable family homes.
- The layout incorporates a number of mitigation measures designed to promote the sites ecological value whilst providing a scheme which is commercially viable.
- Work is expected to start on site later this year/beginning of 2012.
FURTHER SITES WANTED