A milestone moment was celebrated on Friday, 23 August, as senior figures from Vistry Group, Sovereign Network Group (SNG), and Swindon Borough Council gathered to officially commence construction at Lotmead, a new village set to bring up to 2,500 homes to the outskirts of Swindon.
The ceremony, held on the 417-acre site to the east of Wanborough Road, symbolised the beginning of a major development initiative.
Lotmead, part of the ambitious New Eastern Villages project, aims to create a vibrant new community with a local centre, two primary schools, a sports hub, and ample green space.
The first phase of the project, known as King George Park, will see Vistry Cotswolds build 214 homes. This initial phase includes 153 properties for private sale through Vistry’s Bovis Homes brand and 61 affordable homes available for low-cost rent or shared ownership through SNG.
Swindon Borough Council Leader Jim Robbins, who attended the ceremony, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “I am thrilled that we are supporting Vistry in unlocking this significant site for over 2,000 homes. This development will play a crucial role in meeting Swindon’s housing needs and our commitment to creating a greener and better town.”
Supriya Ray, Regional Managing Director at Vistry Cotswolds, highlighted the importance of the New Eastern Villages scheme: “This is one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in the UK. Lotmead will be a key part of the broader scheme, contributing to both the housing shortage and Swindon’s economic growth.”
The development will also see a substantial investment in local services and infrastructure, estimated at around £60 million. This includes enhancements to primary and secondary education, healthcare, road improvements, and the provision of community amenities such as allotments, sports pitches, play areas, and a sports pavilion.
James Gibson, Development Director at SNG, commented on the project’s impact: “This site represents a step towards achieving our goal of providing thousands of new, affordable homes. Our partnership with Vistry will be vital in creating a sustainable neighbourhood at Lotmead.”
Outline planning permission for Lotmead was granted in 2021, with detailed plans for the first phase approved in June. The initial homes are expected to be completed by Summer 2025, with a mix of two, three, four, and five-bedroom houses, as well as eight one-bedroom apartments.
