Crest Nicholson wins £600m Arborfield Garrison redevelopment scheme in UK

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in the UK has selected housebuilding firm Crest Nicholson as development manager for the £600m redevelopment of Arborfield Garrison.

Crest Nicholson will work with DIO to fund, manage and lead the development, which will feature about 2,000 new homes, with associated infrastructure at the Berkshire site.

Subject to further agreement, Crest Nicholson will also progress the current planning position, lead the site development and manage the disposal process.

The company will also construct some or all of the development’s commercial aspects and build some of the residential accommodation.

Crest Nicholson group new business director Scott Black said the transformation of the Arborfield Garrison into a new community will be a significant development.

"Crest Nicholson plans to deliver around 700 of the new homes and associated facilities and bring in other house builders to deliver 1,300 homes," Black said.

"Key to the success of the project will be partnership working and building a positive consensus not only with the DIO but with other landowners, local authorities, and key stakeholders."

DIO, which is the property and services unit of the UK Ministry of Defence, had previously signed a collaboration agreement with two adjoining landowners to deliver the residential-led development in the south-east of England.

DIO assistant head of commercial Gavin Marshall said the organisation’s priority is to support the armed forces as they prepare for operations by providing the facilities they need to do their job.

"We’re committed to ensuring the military estate is no larger than necessary and provides taxpayers with value for money," Marshall said.