Elysian Residences has gained full planning permission from Windsor & Maidenhead Borough Council for the transformation of a disused brownfield site, on Alma Road in Windsor, into a new residential development.
The UK has a rising population of over-65s, but a lack of age-appropriate housing to support this generation through the various stages of later life – from well-being to rehabilitation to physical support and daily care. Elysian Residences’ ethos is based on enriching the life of its homeowners, on their terms.
Elysian Residences’ plans for the Alma Road site, a 15-minute walk from Windsor & Eton Central Station, will create an accessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly, intergenerational community, providing a much-needed range of homes to support a growing elderly population alongside build-to-rent (BTR) accommodation.
Alma Road plans includes a 3-7 storey building with 118 extra-care homes, comprising a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus two guest rooms, with outdoor seating, multifunctional events space, restaurant, gym, swimming pool, library, valet parking for owners, and 24-hour care staff on hand. The plans allow for 45 car parking spaces, with the majority in the basement of the building, and plentiful cycle parking for both long and short stays.
BUILD-TO-RENT
Within a further 3-7 storey building to the north of the site, the BTR accommodation, operated by an independent provider, will provide 197 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, plus a reception area, community areas, storage rooms and general amenity space. A total of 38 car parking spaces are planned, largely at ground floor level, and plentiful long and short-stay cycle parking.
As well as having access to communal gardens and roof terraces, each home will have its own private outdoor space in the form of either a balcony or terrace. Attractive new landscaped public realm will be created between and around the two buildings, providing a total of 6,896 sqm of amenity space, including a new linear park through to Alma Road, seating areas, trees, and a garden plaza.
A new pedestrian route which runs between the buildings is also proposed and will connect Alma Road to Vansittart Recreation Ground. The existing access from Alma Road will be further improved with 1.8m footways either side of the carriageway, allowing for safe access for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Elysian Residences developed the proposals alongside the parameter plans, secured under the outline planning application, in close consultation with key stakeholders throughout the development process.
Vacant since 2008 following the demolition of the former Imperial House, an office building, the site has provided no public, environmental or ecological benefit. Elysian Residences’ vision for Alma Road will transform an unattractive and underutilised brownfield site, close to a Conservation Area, back to productive use, delivering much needed residential accommodation and improved public amenities, benefitting new residents and those already living in the immediate area, in addition to job opportunities during and post construction.
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT
Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer at Elysian Residences says: “This project represents a significant investment into the local economy, returning to productive use a brownfield site which has been derelict for over a decade and delivering much-needed later living accommodation, build-to-rent homes, enhanced pedestrian and cycle access and improved public realm.
“We look forward to continued engagement with the Council and the local community as we move forward with the development.”
