A vision for redevelopment in a town centre

Matrix Partnership prepared a Submission of Interest in association with Swan Country Homes for the redevelopment of a substantial town centre site in Chard, Somerset. The site is currently owned in part by Somerset County Council and by Air Control Industries who are seeking to relocate to new premises out of the town centre.

 

The Matrix submission included a comprehensive analysis of the site and the surrounding area including in particular its relationship to the town centre.  The analysis also included a study of site constraints and local character and distinctiveness.  Included within the site two listed structures, one of which is a fine 19th brick mill. The main part of the submission included a mixed-use masterplan vision for the whole site. This includes apartments and town houses, a community resource centre including secondary healthcare space, car parking and the provision of a foyer building.

 

A fundamental feature of the proposals was to ensure that they integrated closely into the physical and social fabric of the town centre, and that they are sustainable, improve accessibility, enhance local character and address local needs that are currently inadequately supported.  As such, the proposals represented a visionary approach to contemporary and sensitive town centre redevelopment.

 

The proposals also included an assessment of the viability of the scheme that formed part of a financial tender for the site.