What’s happened to the old hospital?
The local NHS opened a new 60-bed hospital between Newbury and Thatcham, and sold their former sites for redevelopment. Sovereign teamed up with Berkeley Homes to buy the sites, with Berkeley redeveloping the Sandleford site, and Sovereign building affordable homes for the over 55s on the Andover Road site.
How many apartments are you building?
There are 100 in all, with 85 on the site of the old hospital, and another 15 in the former car park opposite. The latter are for shared ownership.
Is there anything special about them?
They have been specially designed to meet the aspirations of an older age group. There are 63 two bedroom, and 22 one bedroom among the rented, which will provide extra space for those who want families to stay over. All apartments are fitted out with double-glazing, an entryphone system, and central heating. They will also have digital TV, communal areas, and storage for scooters.
Who’s building them?
Leadbitter Construction of Abingdon and Sovereign have worked on many projects together, including this £10m scheme. These apartments are designed to have a lower impact on the environment, for example by using timber frames instead of concrete, and energy efficient heating systems.
Can I have one?
Residents living in outdated flats and bungalows in Newbury will be offered the rented apartments, but there is a part-buy option for the remaining 15, open to anyone on a moderate income.
What are you going to call it?
The former hospital site will be renamed Carnarvon Place. The name was chosen by residents in neighbouring sheltered schemes, and reflects the leading role the 5 th Earl of Carnarvon played in getting the hospital built in 1885. The smaller site will be called Thurlow Grange, after Major Thurlow of Shaw House – who provided 40% of the funds for the hospital.
When will it be ready?
The shared ownership apartments should be ready by next June, while residents moving into the rented apartments will start moving in October next year.
Published 12 October 2005
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