For communities in Toton and Chilwell the huge Chetwynd Barracks has been a barrier physically dividing the community for years. The barracks were designated a MoD asset to be disposed of, and combined with the proposals for a HS2 Station in Toton, this prompted the local community to dream big about the future of their area. They established a Neighbourhood Forum and a Community interest Company to build local policy and guide/get involved in the development of their neighbourhood.
Knitting together suburban neighborhoods with a 3,700 home masterplan based in a closing MoD barracks. Proposals create 6 distinct character areas, protect heritage assets and deliver a new central plaza.
Providing community, health, education, retail, workspace & leisure facilities; Chetwynd plaza is envisioned as the beating heart of Toton & Chilwell.
Through consultation events, public forums, and stakeholder interviews we helped them distil ten development priorities. From getting the right types of sustainable, affordable, homes to sorting out local traffic issues and seeking to establish a new heart for the community with retail, leisure and community services we helped them set a bold vision for their area.
With the ambition set we set about drawing up designs that delivered on each community priority. We provided:
Large format area mapping to show key strategic decisions. Indicative ‘zoomed in’ area master plans to communicate look & feel. Detailed design codes to hold developers to account. Feasibility studies to make sure key community facilities were provided for. and proposals to protect and enhance local heritage buildings.
We also assisted them in providing feedback on the proposals set forward by other stakeholders such as HS2, the MoD and the Local Authority. Our detailed responses founded on their development priorities, using our master plans as a baseline, gave them the expert/professional input they needed to push back on elements that would not serve the needs of the local community.
Decisions are still to be made over the future of Chetwynd Barracks. Major national initiatives have a big impact and the Barraks sale has been continually delayed.
Regardless where it all ends up we’re proud of our work supporting & empowering the local community. We helping them get a seat at the table with the powerful national & commercial stakeholders. We helped them articulate and test their vision.
Kefa Design 