Housebuilder Vistry Group has announced the groundbreaking on Lotmead site, a new village feature up to 2,500 homes in Swindon, UK.  

The project is a collaborative effort between Vistry and Sovereign Network Group (SNG). 

It is set to include a local centre, two primary schools, a sports hub, and green spaces across a 417-acre site located east of Wanborough Road. 

Representatives from Vistry Group, SNG, and Swindon Borough Council were present to initiate the first phase of development at Lotmead, which is part of the larger New Eastern Villages initiative.  

This wider initiative aims to deliver approximately 8,000 new homes, as well as a suite of employment, health, retail, education, and leisure facilities to the region. 

Vistry Cotswolds regional managing director Supriya Ray said: “The New Eastern Villages scheme is one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in the UK.  

“Lotmead is one of the first villages to be brought forward within the wider scheme, and will therefore have an integral role to play in the formation of this new community. We are proud to be working in partnership with SNG and the council to deliver the new homes and infrastructure which will create a thriving and sustainable neighbourhood where people will want to live.” 

In the initial phase of Lotmead, Vistry Cotswolds will construct 214 homes under its Bovis Homes brand at King George Park, occupying a 39-acre segment of the site.  

The offering will include 153 homes for private sale and 61 affordable homes available for low-cost rent or shared ownership through SNG. 

The development agreement includes a Vistry investment towards local services and infrastructure, anticipated to be around £60m ($79.38m).  

The investment will support primary and secondary education, healthcare, and road enhancements.  

Additionally, Vistry will provide allotments, sports pitches, two play areas, new roadways, cycle links, and a sports pavilion. 

Outline planning permission for the Lotmead development was secured in 2021, with detailed plans for the first phase of 214 homes receiving approval from Swindon Borough Council in June.  

The property mix will feature two to five-bedroom houses and eight one-bedroom apartments, with the first homes expected to be completed by summer 2025. 

This development follows Vistry Group's earlier August 2024 announcement, of a £19m partnership with Anchor, which will see the creation of 77 affordable apartments in Edwalton, Nottingham.