A gateway for a new era in the UK’s first New Town

24 MARCH 2026

As Stevenage approaches the 80th anniversary of its designation as the UK’s first New Town, a once-in-a-generation regeneration opportunity is underway that will redefine the experience for people arriving into the town.

Stevenage Station Gateway will see the creation of 1,000 new homes, up to 60,000 sqm of commercial spaces and create around 1,500 new jobs.

This will be supported by new green space, public areas and improved connections between the station and town centre.

In late 2025, Stevenage Borough Council, supported by the Stevenage Development Board, signed a Development Agreement with Muse supported by ECF, the partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.

The partnership is now working together to progress work which will create a new district that reflects Stevenage’s growing economy, high growth industries and creates a welcoming gateway that reflects the town’s ambitions.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “The town has a strong track record of attracting high value businesses and supporting SMEs, but to take the town and UK plc to the next level, the town now needs to continue to provide new facilities fit for the 21st Century”.

“The entrance to Stevenage when arriving by rail is unwelcoming and dated – a far cry from the pioneering nature of the town and its businesses,” Henry added. “The development will welcome people to the town and highlight the spirit and community of the UK’s first New Town, bringing our heritage into our future.”

Regeneration and placemaking of this scale require long-term collaboration between public and private partners, which is why Stevenage Borough Council has entered into the agreement with Muse, supported by ECF, to benefit from the partnership’s placemaking capability and investment capacity.

“The world of regeneration is complex and delivering large-scale regeneration, such as that at Stevenage Station Gateway, requires a number of partners who can all bring skills and specialisms,” added Henry.

“The advantage of collaborative working is that so much more can be achieved, and barriers such as lack of expertise can be overcome through combined knowledge and networks.”

Stevenage Station Gateway is also supported by the Stevenage Development Board, which brings together leaders from business, education and the public sector to help guide the town’s economic growth and ensure regeneration aligns with the needs of local employers.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said the regeneration is about connectivity and supporting the future of Stevenage’s innovation-led economy.

“Stevenage is home to a range of STEM based businesses and products developed here are attractive to worldwide customers, this is one of the reasons why a new Station Gateway is crucial, as it is the gateway to the city for four million passengers every year,” he said.

“This whole regeneration is a great way to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the town and trigger further regeneration of the first New Town.”

The vision for Station Gateway is clear, but to make that a reality requires careful planning, coordination and long-term investment.

Groundwork is already underway including engaging with major employers in the town and progressing the design and planning work needed to unlock the first phase of development.

Andy Howell, Development Director at ECF, says that Stevenage Station Gateway represents the perfect example of the type of complex and mixed-use regeneration that ECF was created to deliver.

“There aren’t many developers that will take on mixed-use projects of this scale. It will be a game-changer for the town centre, but it requires bringing together multiple partners, stakeholders and funding streams to make it happen,” he said.

“A lot of strategic work has gone into getting us to this stage. We’re working closely with the council, Homes England and partners across the town to ensure the development supports the town’s economic growth.”

The early phases will focus on sites around the station that are ready for redevelopment, helping establish the foundations for the wider transformation of the area while improving connectivity across the town centre.

“For us, the opportunity is about improving connectivity, creating vibrancy and delivering high-quality places,” Howell said.

“Town centres today need to support people living, working and spending time there throughout the day and evening.”

As plans progress, Stevenage Station Gateway will play an important role within Stevenage’s wider town centre regeneration programme, creating new homes, jobs and opportunities while supporting the future of the town’s innovation-led economy.

 

Major milestone for delivery of Stevenage Station Gateway announced

12 JANUARY 2026

An agreement has been signed to drive forward the development of Stevenage Station Gateway.

This scheme is the latest element in the wider Stevenage town centre transformation.  With an estimated value in the region of £1bn, the scheme will deliver at least 1,000 new homes, improved station facilities, and approximately 50,000 sqm of other development, including new public amenities and community spaces, set along a landscaped street that connects the town centre to the new station facilities and the Leisure Park beyond.

Stevenage Borough Council, with support from the Stevenage Development Board, has signed the development agreement with Muse Place supported by ECF, a partnership between Muse, Homes England and L&G. The project was procured by Pagabo via the use of the Developer Led Framework which it manages on behalf of contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust.

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Ahead of this year’s 80th anniversary of Stevenage becoming designated as the UK’s first New Town, this deal marks an important milestone in the next chapter of the town centre’s regeneration. Delivered in partnership with ECF, Station Gateway will reflect what our town needs and deserves and will bring with it new homes, workspaces and jobs for our local communities.”

Sir Michael Lyons, Chair at ECF, said: “Stevenage Borough Council has an ambitious vision for Stevenage and the signing of this agreement helps to move this one step closer to reality. We are pleased to take our commitment to the project further, unlocking this unique opportunity to create growth and community value in this fantastic location.”

Chris Scott, Development Director at Muse, said: “We are excited to have formalised our partnership with Stevenage Borough Council for Station Gateway, and look forward to collaborating with the people and businesses of Stevenage as we move into the next phase of masterplanning. We believe successful regeneration is rooted in understanding and responding to the aspirations of the community, and our aim is to shape a detailed vision for Station Gateway that truly reflects the town’s priorities, while also recognising Stevenage’s national and international strategic importance.”

Jonathan Parker, Development Director at Pagabo, said: “Through our procurement expertise, we are pleased to have supported Stevenage Borough Council in appointing the right development partner for Station Gateway. Our role has been to provide a compliant, efficient and transparent route to market that gives confidence to all parties and accelerates delivery. This agreement demonstrates how effective procurement can unlock ambitious community led regeneration projects and help turn long-term visions for places like Stevenage into reality.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Stevenage Development Board, said: “Station Gateway is a key part of the regeneration of England’s first New Town. The Stevenage Development Board has played a central role in this and have been actively working since 2023 to this end. We are delighted that it has now progressed to the next stage and welcome this investment from the private sector. This deal builds upon the initial support provided by the Stevenage Development Board, and we look forward to continuing to support this partnership as SBC and ECF work together to deliver this important scheme to make Stevenage Even Better.”

In the development of the station multi-storey car park, the area has already benefited from £6 million of investment through national government’s Towns Fund, secured by the Stevenage Development Board. ECF’s involvement will facilitate the wider development and investment around and including the rail station.

The next step for the project is the creation of a detailed masterplan, building upon the vision already outlined. SBC and ECF are committed to working with the community and ensuring that their feedback has a meaningful impact on the plans.

Consultation on the detailed masterplan will continue the next chapter in first half of 2026. There will be lots of ways to get involved, including online surveys, community drop-in events, stakeholder meetings, and opportunities to provide written feedback. Details will be widely publicised to make participation as easy as possible.

Subject to securing the necessary grant funding from government, the ambition is for construction to begin in 2028, with the first homes completed in 2030.

The Guinness Partnership celebrates completion of first phase of work at Stevenage town centre site

4 MARCH 2025

The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate completion of work on the first phase of their development at the former Matalan site in Danesgate, Stevenage.

The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s Group Chief Executive Catriona Simons who was joined by the House of Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Kevin Bonavia MP and the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Jim Brown.

They were also joined by representatives from Stevenage Borough Council including Council Leader, Cllr Richard Henry and the Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Jackie Hollywell. Along with members of Guinness’s senior development team, including Group Director of Development & Commercial Services, Kevin Williams, Lovell Regional Managing Director, Lorraine Casey and representatives from Stevenage Development Board and global consultancy, Turner & Townsend.

The appointed contractors, Lovell Partnerships, have now completed work on the first phase of construction at the prominent town centre site. Planning permission was granted in 2021 by Stevenage Borough Council, for the development of a new high quality residential community designed by award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington.

The delivery of the new development will take place in phases. The now completed first phase, across two blocks located on the eastern part of the site, consists of 143 one and two-bedroomed apartments for social rent, providing a new and very valuable source of affordable homes located in the heart of Stevenage. It will also include one of the internal landscaped gardens serving the development.

Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are pleased to see the completion of this important residential-led regeneration project which is very much part of the Borough Council’s ambitions for a vibrant and revitalised town centre. We are grateful for the support and positive approach from Stevenage Borough Council since we first acquired the site, as well as Homes England who have provided grant funding for the project: thank you to all our partners for making these homes a reality in a challenging economic climate.”

Kevin Bonavia MP said: “I’d like to thank the Guinness Partnership, Lovell Partnership and Stevenage Borough Council for their combined efforts to complete Phase 1 of the ‘Matalan site’ development – delivering an initial 143 homes for social rent in the heart of our town centre. The new social rent homes and commercial space will play a key part in the overall town centre regeneration, which is now accelerating post-covid. The homes will help get local people off waiting lists or out of the crowded rental market into good quality housing. Let’s keep matching the aspirations of Stevenage people and build the housing needed now and in the future.”

Cllr Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “This is a fantastic development for Stevenage. The delivery of this first phase provides homes to be offered as affordable tenures, including social rent right in the heart of the town. We are providing for local people, and we look forward to the first tenants moving in. My thanks go to all the partners who have helped to deliver this development.”

Lorraine Casey, Regional Managing Director at Lovell said: “We are proud to have built a high-quality development delivering much needed affordable homes for local people. The new apartments are highly sustainable with features including air source heat pumps and energy efficient fabric, giving a high thermal performance resulting in lower bills for the new residents. We hope the new community enjoy living here for many years to come.”

Additional funding for the first phase of 143 homes was received from Homes England. The overall plans involve the construction of 526 one and two-bedroomed apartments along with 779 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level which aims to create active street frontages.

Expansion of Co-Space in Stevenage completed

20 FEBRUARY 2025

Works to expand the premises of flexible office space provider Co-Space in Stevenage Town Centre have been completed.

In 2021, the council converted under-used commercial space into flexible office space for a range of businesses, from single-person start-ups, to established financial services providers. The facility, managed by Co-Space, brought over 300 jobs into the town centre.

Following huge success, the space has now expanded into the neighbouring Town Square Chambers that preside over Event Island. Funded through government’s Towns Fund using funding secured by The Stevenage Development Board, the facility has delivered an additional 900sqm of quality office space to the town centre – equivalent to 150 desks. This encourages new business and associated footfall and spend to the town, whilst refurbishing an ageing building with a 24-hour operator.

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, comments: “Stevenage Town Centre is undergoing a transformation, introducing a greater mix of uses to benefit both residents and businesses. This includes increasing commercial space, including flexible options to allow businesses to flourish within the town. We are delighted that Co-Space, offering desks and meeting spaces in a smart and spacious interior, have chosen to expand their premises here. This delivers local benefits such as an increase in spend within the town. As Stevenage continues to evolve, we welcome this expansion and thank all of our partners who have helped to deliver this”.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, adds: “The expansion of the Co-Space facility in Stevenage is clear proof that our plans for regeneration of the town are having a positive impact. Refreshing 1950’s buildings is highly sustainable, truly cost effective given the benefit derived and supports the provision of shared office space that is required in the modern age.

“Co-Space has demonstrated a distinctive style for this service and the council has moved quickly and efficiently in the direction of market demand. This extension is yet another example of our commitment to regeneration and supporting residents and businesses”.

Operator Co-Space run offices in Reading, Milton Keynes and Stevenage, with a St Albans office opening soon.

William Stokes, CEO and Co-Founder of Co-Space, adds: “We’re excited to work in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and ASHE once again to expand our current Co-Space offering, and support the facilitating of 200 new job roles right in the heart of Stevenage. We’re grateful for everyone’s hard work pulling this project together and ensuring we’re able to support local businesses to grow and thrive.”

Delivered by contractor Ashe Group and as part of social value, throughout the construction two previously out of work individuals have been employed and donations made to local charities.

Andrew Morris, Business Development Director at Ashe Group, comments: “Ashe is delighted to have been asked back to undertake the next phase of refurbishment at the Co-Space facility in Stevenage. Being a local contractor, our focus has been on employing local people through our supply chain partners, ensuring that money generated by the construction project is recycled into the local economy.

“It has also allowed us to take on unemployed local people, give them training and prepare them for a future in construction. We have visited local schools and supported local charities as part of our social value commitments for this scheme.

“When complete the project will continue to support the local community in providing an outstanding working environment that will allow businesses to thrive.

“We are incredibly proud assisting in the regeneration of the heart of Stevenage and look forward to future opportunities to continue the good work being undertaken by all partners.”

Have Your Say on updated designs for a new Sports & Leisure Centre

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2025

In late 2024 Stevenage Borough Council shared initial designs to seek feedback for a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre in the town. This new facility will bring together sports, leisure and swimming facilities under one roof, whereas they are currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre.

The council would like to thank everyone who shared their views or came to see the project team at in-person sessions. Having reviewed the feedback, we are asking local communities, residents and businesses to share their views again on updated designs.

The health and wellbeing of Stevenage residents is a key priority for the council and this facility is designed to allow the community to access and enjoy sports and leisure activities in a purpose-built building.

The proposals are available to view online via the Stevenage Even Better website (Sports & Leisure Centre – Stevenage Even Better : Stevenage Even Better) and Stevenage Borough Council website (New Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage) including a feedback form where you can leave your feedback. Hard copies of these are also available to complete at Stevenage Swimming Centre and Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, in the gym reception.

If you would like to speak to a member of the project team, a series of drop-in sessions are taking place where you can view the designs and discuss the proposals:

  • Saturday 22 February, 12:00 – 14:00, Westgate Shopping Centre (opposite River Island and Walkwel)
  • Monday 24 February, 18:30 – 20:00, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre (gym reception)
  • Wednesday 26 February, 12:00 – 14:00, 21 Town Square (former McDonalds Unit)
  • Saturday 1 March, 10:30 – 12:30, Stevenage Swimming Centre
  • Monday 3 March, 18:30 – 20:00, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre (gym reception)
  • Wednesday 5 March, 12:00 – 14:00, Westgate Shopping Centre (opposite River Island and Walkwel)
  • Saturday 8 March, 10:30 – 12:30, Stevenage Swimming Centre

The closing date for sharing your comments is Sunday 9 March at 5pm.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “I would like to thank everyone who shared their feedback on the initial designs, which has been largely positive. Your views have been heard and we are working hard to progress a facility that allows the vast majority of people to participate in sports, leisure and wellbeing activities. Whilst we will accommodate as much as we can, this is designed to be a general facility and we will not be able to include all specialist sports. There are other facilities in the town for these and we will work with local clubs if they wish to transfer elsewhere. I encourage our residents and businesses to engage with the next set of designs as we continue to work together on this exciting new offer for the town”.

The project will be partially funded through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m in March 2021, and a proportion of this will be used for this new facility.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented:

“The proposed new Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre will be delivered using funds from the Stevenage Development Boards successful application to the Governments Town Fund. We are delighted to be bringing this spectacular project to fruition with the great support of Stevenage Borough Council.

“We have been absolutely delighted by the overwhelming interest of the public in the latest consultation and the constructive views which have been expressed by everyone.

“The proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre will be a modern, state of the art facility with activities including swimming, studios, gym, flexible sports and leisure space. The public response has so far been very supportive and we have also been pleased to see the community engage with the proposals.

“The Stevenage Development Board and the council is committed to providing only the best sports and leisure facilities for the people of the town and we are ensuring that it will be a facility that everyone can use and be proud of”.

Morgan Sindall Construction, experts in building leisure facilities, have been appointed to help deliver the Sports & Leisure Hub whilst architect FaulknerBrowns are designing the facility. The upgraded services will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who operate the council’s leisure facilities within the town.

Further information can be found on the Stevenage Even Better website: stevenage-even-better.com/.

Car park to temporarily close to facilitate new development

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2024

Swingate car park in Stevenage Town Centre will be closing from Monday 7 October in order to facilitate the development of the neighbouring Swingate House site.

This closure marks the next stage towards the start of the wider SG1 programme. There is alternative parking provision within the town, including St George’s Way Multi-Storey Car Park (SG1 1EP), that can be used during this closure. Neighbouring properties who use the Swingate Car Park have been contacted separately.  The car park is expected to be closed for at least two years.

The car park will reopen when the new development has been built and will have improved lighting and better access.  The car park will be used as a site compound during the development, secured by hoarding around the site. The access road (spur road), located between the site and acting as the entrance to the car park, will also be closed and will move slightly as part of the works.

The former Swingate House site forms part of the wider SG1 masterplan for Stevenage Town Centre, which in its entirety will deliver new homes, jobs, office and retail space, alongside new public spaces. This specific site will deliver 261 new homes and a ground floor café unit.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “The SG1 masterplan will be transformative for Stevenage, and is a key part of the next stage of the town centre regeneration story to continue to deliver a thriving town for people to live, work and visit. We understand that there will be a level of frustration that the car park has to close, and we would like to reassure residents and visitors to the town that there is alternative parking provision across a number of other car parks”.

The site is being brought forward by Mace, in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council.

All construction activity will take place within the extended hoarding line and the impact to traffic using the surrounding roads will be minimised.

Information on Stevenage car parks can be found via Find a Car Park (stevenage.gov.uk).

Stevenage welcomes new development with topping out ceremony

The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate topping out of the first phase of their development at the former Matalan site in Danesgate, Stevenage – a development which will eventually provide 526 new homes.

To mark this important occasion, Kevin Williams, Group Director of Development and Commercial Services at The Guinness Partnership, was joined by Stephen McPartland MP, Cllr Jeannette Thomas, the Deputy Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Cllr James Brown, the Deputy Mayor of the Council and Cllr Sandra Barr along with Mick Laws, Regional Managing Director from Lovell Partnerships – the appointed contractors.

The development at the prominent town centre site was granted planning permission in 2021 by Stevenage Borough Council for the provision of a new high quality residential community, designed by award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington.

The overall plan involves the construction of 526 one and two-bedroomed apartments along with 739 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level which aims to create active street frontages.

With funding from Homes England, the first phase of development consists of two buildings providing 143 one and two-bedroomed apartments. All the new homes will be offered as affordable tenures, including social rent, providing new and much needed low-cost homes in the heart of Stevenage.

Kevin Williams, Group Director of Development and Commercial Services at The Guinness Partnership said: “Topping out is a significant milestone in the regeneration of this site which will bring 526 new homes to Stevenage, and we are pleased to be delivering high-quality, affordable housing for the area. We would like to thank our partners on this project, Homes England, Stevenage Borough Council, Lovell Partnerships, Turner & Townsend and Maccreanor Lavington who have all helped us get to this important stage.”

Cllr Jeannette Thomas, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Housing and Housing Development, commented: “This phase of works focuses on the building of affordable homes, and our thanks go to The Guinness Partnership for the speedy delivery of these. Alongside homes, the development brings a wide range of other benefits that will support the town centre, and current and future residents.  Our town centre needs a variety of uses so it can continue to thrive. As a council, we strive to deliver the best for Stevenage and this development is an example of that”.

Mick Laws, Regional Managing Director at Lovell said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the topping out at this latest development we are delivering for The Guinness Partnership. We are making excellent progress in line with our programme and are on target to deliver the much-needed affordable homes early next year.”

The first phase will complete in Spring 2025.

Early works taking place on the former Swingate House site

A series of early works are underway on the former Swingate House site in Stevenage Town Centre in preparation for construction of the new development. 261 homes and a commercial unit will be built, with works expected to take two years to complete.

As part of the preparatory works, contractor Gilbert-Ash are carrying out works including the removal of some of the debris on the site, in order to level out the ground to install the piling which will create the site foundations. Material from the demolition – known as crush – will be reused as part of the foundation works.

The main construction works will begin later in the Spring.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “It is fantastic to see these works on the site.  This scheme will help to diversify the uses within our town centre, encouraging spend and supporting our existing businesses and attracting new ones to benefit our local communities. This is a really exciting time for the town as we continue to create a thriving town for people to live, work and visit.”

The former Swingate House site forms part of the wider SG1 masterplan for Stevenage Town Centre, which in its entirety will deliver new homes, jobs, office and retail space, alongside new public spaces.

Kevin Cowin, Director at Mace, commented: “The commencement of works to enable the redevelopment of the Swingate House site is an exciting milestone in Stevenage Town Centre’s regeneration. Mace is proud to play a key role in delivering this with the Council and our local partners.”

Activity is taking place within the current hoarding line and there will be no impact to traffic using any of the surrounding roads.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, added: “We are very excited to see the works being undertaken on the former Swingate site as these underline the commitment to developing a centre which will create vibrant new opportunities for the population of Stevenage.

“This work will be a catalyst to other phases that will not only benefit the town centre but also offer much improved options for leisure, dining and work. Town centres across the UK are facing up to radical changes and we are proud that Stevenage is at the forefront of this transition which will prove to be a very positive and dynamic change.”

The site is being brought forward by Mace, in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council.

Community invited to vote on new urban artworks in Stevenage

In 2023, a partnership between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council saw three new pieces of urban artworks unveiled in Stevenage, at the underpass located by Stevenage FC and Wickes at the Broadhall Way roundabout.

As part of an ongoing programme of works, Stevenage Borough Council is asking the local community for their help as the next set of artworks – located at the Monkswood Way and Six Hills Way roundabout – enter their design phase.

Six themes, each with links to the town’s history and culture, have been identified. Yet only three can feature in the final designs, and help is needed to determine which of these will be used.

The council is asking the community and businesses to pick their three favourites through a survey which can be found https://forms.office.com/e/9ZiiWg7vzL.

The themes are:

1. Eric Claxton

An ode to the engineer who designed the 25-mile segregated cycle network in Stevenage in the 1960s and 70s.

2. Town Centre Gardens

Highlighting the nearby gardens that feature a pond, public art, a sensory garden, and ancient lane hedgerows.

3. William Mitchell

An ode to the world-renowned sculptor, artist and designer, whose art is already celebrated in Stevenage.

4. ‘Stevenage on wheels’

Promoting active travel through cycling, scooting, skating, and wheeling through Stevenage.

5. Stevenage Town Centre

Celebrating Stevenage becoming the first pedestrianised town centre in the UK in 1958.

6. Stevenage photographers

Sharing beautiful imagery of interest points in Stevenage taken by local amateur photographers.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “We were delighted with the reaction to the underpasses completed in 2023, and the sense of community pride that they have instilled. In collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council we want to make further improvements to the town’s underpasses and this next phase of works provides another opportunity to place our communities, achievements and assets in the centre of the town. This is a project for our communities and we encourage everyone to get involved to help us shape this next set of artworks for Stevenage!”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Information Technology at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “The artworks already in place, designed and painted by Hertfordshire-based street artists Murwalls, are a fantastic addition to Stevenage. Fresh, relevant and celebrating the town, they demonstrate how other underpasses in the town have the potential to look.  We want to work with our local communities to help shape the designs for this next set of artworks, and others in the future, and we are delighted to be able to announce this survey today. We look forward to seeing the results!”.

The survey closes at midday on Friday 8 March 2024.

The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The rich diversity of Stevenage in terms of technology, innovation, sport and history are clear to all in the town. I am delighted that the project to design uplifting murals in underpasses and other area have also been able to reflect this.

“Our town is undergoing a massive period of positive change and the opportunities for all are now tangible. Schemes such as the murals allow us all to visualise just what there is on offer in Stevenage and just what potential we have, not just in our town but also in our people.”

Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council are working together to improve a number of underpasses throughout Stevenage, improving these for pedestrians and cyclists and celebrating everything that the town has to offer.

Cllr Phil Bibby, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that Hertfordshire County Council continues to partner Stevenage Borough Council in brightening up the town’s subways. We are working with local schools, communities and artists on many subways across the County to make them much more inviting, encouraging walking and cycling. This supports the Council’s aim to make Hertfordshire cleaner, greener and healthier.”

A new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage: Have Your Say

Stevenage Borough Council is asking local communities to share their views on a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage. The proposed new facility will bring together the sports and swimming facilities currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre.

They will be re-provided in a new state of the art building with a wide range of innovative and exciting services and activities, promoting healthy living and wellbeing for residents.

It is proposed that the facility will encompass swimming, studios and gym space with flexible sports and leisure facilities, with early ideas including the inclusion of a café with access from the Town Centre Gardens.

The design of the facility is in its very early stages and we would like to hear what local communities would like from a new facility for the town. At this stage, the council is asking residents, businesses and visitors to complete a short survey to help us better understand what’s important.

The closing date for completing the survey is Friday 24 November at 3pm. The survey can be found online via https://forms.office.com/e/KCBD8BRtQ0, with hard copies available at various locations including the Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre (located at the reception to the gym).

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “This is a really exciting opportunity for our residents to have their say on this proposed new development for the town. The existing sports, health, and wellbeing services provided within Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre and Stevenage Swimming Centre are well used and the council is looking to future proof these services by replacing them with brand new facilities in the new building, both in terms of provision of services and capacity for the growing town and increased usage”.

The project will be partially funded through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m in March 2021, and a proportion of this will be used for this new facility.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented:

“The Stevenage Development Board is an independent group focused on making Stevenage Even Better. We are delighted to see the commencement of our new Sports & Leisure project in Stevenage as we remain certain that this major investment will greatly contribute to improvements in the enjoyment, health and welfare of our residents and the many employees also based within the town and locality.

“The team at the council are working very hard to deliver the many Towns Fund projects and meet the increasing interest in our town from the many UK and overseas organisations. We look forward to your kind assistance in providing feedback so that you can enjoy these facilities even more.”

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Information Technology, said: “We have a vision for this new facility for the town, and the involvement of our communities is a key part of that vision. This is a new space for everyone to enjoy, and for that to be realised, we need help to shape what we want in a new, state-of-the-art building. This is the start of an extensive process with residents, the local community, businesses and visitors as we work collaboratively to deliver a facility that everyone can use and be proud of.”

Morgan Sindall Construction, who have extensive experience of building leisure facilities, have been appointed to help deliver the Sports & Leisure Hub. The upgraded facility will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who operate the council’s leisure facilities within the town.

Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall, commented: “With previous experience in the leisure sector, we understand the value of community leisure facilities and just how much they can act as a springboard for both improved physical and mental health.

“The new sports and leisure hub will be a new focal point for the town and this opportunity will allow us to engage positively with Stevenage residents by offering both employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

“We are very proud to be working alongside Stevenage Borough Council to deliver its transformational regeneration plans and are excited to receive your feedback on what you’d like to see at your new sports and leisure hub.”

Allan Prescott, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “We are excited to be a part of this transformative project in Stevenage. The needs of residents are ever evolving and it is important that we deliver a top-notch facility that caters to the needs and aspirations of the local residents. I would urge everyone to get involved in this consultation to help shape the plans.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the new Sports & Leisure Hub?

The proposed new Sports & Leisure Hub is a modern state of the art leisure facility that will encompass swimming, studios, gym space, flexible sports and leisure facilities, consolidating the sports, leisure and swimming facilities currently being provided at different locations to one new, purpose-built leisure facility.

The design of the facility is in its infancy and the council is committed to working alongside the local community on a facility that will offer something for everyone.

Q; What will the new facility include?

The new Sports & Leisure Hub will incorporate facilities including swimming, studios, gym, a sports hall, and flexible sports and leisure facilities. The venue will encompass more than just sports, becoming a place for leisure, and an additional focal point for the town. The proposals include the inclusion of a café which will be accessible to people using the Town Centre Gardens.

The Leisure Hub will be innovative and with cutting edge designs providing a wide range of diverse facilities and services to ensure that whole community will be able to take full advantage of the centre’s offerings in a comfortable, safe, accessible, and modern environment.

Q: How will it be different to our current facilities?

The proposals would see wet and dry facilities available under one roof, whereas they are currently split across two different locations. The facilities would be modern and fit-for-purpose, future proofing the facility and ensuring that those using this have access to clean and high quality areas for health, wellbeing, leisure and sports.

Q: Who will manage the facility?

The new leisure facility will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who already run services in the town.  Everyone Active manage over 200 leisure facilities in the UK and work with over 60 local authorities.

Q: Why is it needed?

The existing sports and leisure centre facilities, including the current swimming pool, are well used but were designed and built in the 1960’s and 70’s. By combining leisure and sports facilities we will not only have a much better, high quality facility services on one site, but also a highly improved customer experience, lower maintenance costs, more efficient use of space and a significant reduction in our carbon footprint.

Q: When will it be opening?

The council and its delivery partners are at the very early stages of this journey. There are several more stages to go through including further opportunities for residents, communities, and businesses to have their say, prior to a planning application being submitted.

Should the application be granted permission, then there will be further preparatory work ahead of construction beginning.

Q: What will happen to the empty spaces at the Arts & Leisure Centre when the new leisure facility is built?

The council will work with Everyone Active and other key stakeholders during the period of the new leisure hub development to consider alternative options for the use of the space vacated by the existing services.

Q: When can I see the plans?

This is the start of an extensive co-production process with residents, the local community, schools and businesses as we work collaboratively to deliver a facility that everyone can use and be proud of. At this current stage, we do not have any design plans to show, and we are asking for feedback on what people would like to see from a new facility and services provided, as opposed to designs. The feedback we receive will be used to shape the look and feel of the facility. The local authority is committed to providing a facility which can be enjoyed by all.

Q: What will happen to the other services that operate in the existing building when the new building opens?

The majority of leisure, sport, health and wellbeing services will be transferred to the new and enhanced by improved facilities and additional services. The theatre will remain whilst future options will be considered.

Q: What will happen to the Gordon Craig Theatre?

The council is committed to retaining a theatre within Stevenage Town Centre. The Gordon Craig Theatre will continue to operate as normal during the development of the new Leisure Hub, but the council will continue to look at future alternative options for the theatre as an integral part for the regeneration of the town.

Q: Who is paying for this?

The project is being funded partly through Towns Fund, using some of the £37.5m awarded in March 2021. The Council is currently developing a funding strategy including working with the government and government bodies on further national funding for the facility alongside any Council funding.