SNG shares affordable housing plans for former Basingstoke head office
We’re inviting local residents to share their views on our proposals for the delivery of affordable homes at the site of our former head office, Saxon Court. The proposals to redevelop the site into high-quality one and two bedroom affordable apartments for older people follow engagement with the public in 2022 and have considered this feedback.
Located at the top of Sarum Hill, between the public car park and The Wheatsheaf pub, the site currently includes a vacant office building that is out of character with the local surroundings. The building has been available to let for over 12 months without success and has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
The proposed development is well suited for older people given the site’s ease of access to local amenities. Basingstoke town centre is just a five minute walk and would give future residents access to independent shops, open-air markets, a post office, banks, and local healthcare facilities. With nearby green spaces, parks, and walking trails, the site is well placed to support independent living for older residents, combining town centre convenience with access to nature.
The proposed design takes the surrounding neighbourhood into account, with the building’s height, materiality and scale carefully planned to respect the area’s character. The new homes would offer a contemporary and sustainable design, in line with our market leading Homes and Place Standard. Homes would feature a private balcony, access to parking, scooter and cycle storage, and a communal lounge and gardens.
Joe Marshall, SNG’s Regional Managing Director, commented: “We believe everyone should live in a home and community where they feel safe, connected, and able to thrive. These proposals would help to achieve this, delivering new affordable, high-quality homes for older people in the heart of Basingstoke where they are needed most.”
“After considering several options to refurbish the building, it was determined it was not feasible to bring it up to the standards needed to continue its current commercial use. However, this presents an opportunity to make better use of this well-located site that can offer future residents a comfortable home and excellent lifestyle, and we look forward to hearing the community’s views.”
Local residents can have their say
We’re now inviting local residents and the wider community to share their thoughts as the design proposals progress.
Details of the emerging proposals have been made available today (Monday 7 July)
Have your say on Saxon Court proposals
A public consultation drop-in event will be held at All Saints Hall, Southern Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3EA on Wednesday 16 July from 4.30pm to 7pm. This will provide an opportunity for local residents and businesses, the public and the local community to view and discuss the emerging proposals.
You can submit comments on SNG’s proposal until Monday 21 July.