Q&As

What are the changes from the previously submitted proposals?

Following submission of the original April 2021 application and consultation responses from Historic England, the Council’s Conservation Officer, Newbury Town Council and the Newbury Society, a number of changes were made and amended plans were submitted in August 2021. Such changes comprised of the following:

Block A which forms the tallest element was reduced by 2 storeys, from 11 to now 9 storeys. In addition, part of the 8th floor was also omitted, further reducing the massing of this block such that its revised maximum height is now lower than the Town Hall clock tower;
Block B was reduced by 1 storey, bringing down the block’s height so that it was also lower than the Town Hall clock tower and the telephone exchange; and Block C was reduced and set further back from 33 and 34 Cheap Street.
The roofscape of Blocks A, B, C and F were amended, further reducing the scheme’s height and massing.
Further to changes above, the current proposals build even further on the previous schemes as a result of the collaborative process between Collado Collins Architects and Robert Adam Architectural Consultancy, along with further discussions with the Council’s conservation team. These alterations included:
The redesign of the perimeter buildings along Bartholomew Road, Cheap Street and Market Place, further taking into account the vernacular of Newbury and the special interest of the town centre;
Further refinement to the location of the taller volumes on the site, taking into consideration their relationship with the smaller buildings;
Further articulation and detailing to Blocks A and B including detailing at the tops of the buildings; and
A reduction in the number of units from the 401 as originally submitted, reduced to 381 in August 2021 to 367 as currently proposed.
As such, the changes have resulted in the proposals being of exceptional design quality that relate to the historic character of Newbury while vastly improving the street elevations, along with the enhancement to the nearby listed buildings and the conservation area.

How was the ‘Eagle Quarter’ name chosen?

The name is taken from Plenty's Eagle Iron Works, which in the 19th century manufactured lifeboats and marine engines on the site, and which forms an important part in Newbury’s industrial history. The design of Eagle Quarter takes inspiration from the rich Victorian industrial architecture, in its forms, façades and classical references together with elements of the Newbury vernacular.

How will the proposals affect the wider regeneration of the area?

The proposals will deliver a new quarter to Newbury of the highest quality in design terms, with a sustainable mix of uses. The new retail and food & leisure uses will attract prople to the town centre and the new residential units and offices will increase the number of people in the town centre, increasing spending.. The more people who are living and working in the town centre, the greater the footfall for the benefit of existing shops and services.

How long will it take to build?

We anticipate that construction will start around 12 months after planning permission is approved, and take around 4 years to complete.

Who is behind the scheme?

The developer is Lochailort, which has extensive experience in delivering complicated urban redevelopments such as the Thames Quarter scheme next to Reading railway station which will opened in July 2021.

What will you to do mitigate the impact on the environment?

We have minimised the use of fossil fuels and instead propose a number of cutting-edge sustainability technologies including a ground-source heat pump system to provide all the development’s heating and hot water requirements. Electric car charging points are proposed, as well as an extension to the existing Car Club with additional vehicles, electric bicycles and potentially electric scooters as well.

A new pedestrianised street will offer improved connectivity between the Market Place, Bartholomew Street, the railway station and bus station, the existing multi-storey car park and the Vue Cinema. It will be a vibrant and attractive new route lined with artisan and independent shops, restaurants and bars. Every new flat will have at least one secure cycle parking space, with an onsite repair workshop and additional cycle parking for visitors.

What is multi-family Build to Rent?

• 24 hour on-site maintenance and a professional management team • A very visible, experienced and institutional landlord that residents can talk to on a daily basis • High quality apartments, built to specifically cater for the needs of renters • Lochailort’s Build to Rent is very much focused on the tenant and the tenant amenity offering. Within the building there will be a wide range of amenity offerings enhancing the customer experience. These include a 24-hour concierge, purpose built parcel rooms, a fully fitted gym, squash court, residents lounge and dining room, workspace and meeting rooms, generous outdoor amenity space, secure and ample bicycle parking, car parking, and electric vehicle charging points.

How will you ensure or encourage some of the retail space is available for artisan and / or locally owned business?

The flexible-use commercial units have been designed specifically with independent local businesses in mind. Their small sizes mean that they are more accessible and affordable to start-ups and other local businesses than larger premises would be, but at the same time they could easily be combined should more space be required. They will be offered on simple terms and turnover rents, curated to give vibrancy and variety.

How was the ‘Eagle Quarter’ name chosen?

The name is taken from Plenty's Eagle Iron Works, which in the 19th century manufactured lifeboats and marine engines on the site, and which forms an important part in Newbury’s industrial history.