Heyford Park has been named as a finalist in the category for Excellence in Planning to Deliver Homes – Large Schemes (50 or more homes) at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2019.
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry. Running for over 40 years, they celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.
Heyford Park is a former 500 hectare airbase set in North Oxfordshire which was vacated by the United States Air Force in 1994. The entire site is designated as a Conservation Area in view of the Cold War heritage assets. Dorchester Living acquired the site in 2009 and since then has been determined that planning takes centre stage to evolve and deliver a masterplan for the regeneration of Heyford Park.
The vision was to create an innovative new Masterplan that brings forward development in a comprehensive and inclusive way to provide high quality new homes whilst working with the existing community to provide employment opportunities, schooling and leisure facilities whilst being sympathetic and telling the story of the history of the site.
Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, says
“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. At Heyford Park, we have a statute of responsibility to create both a physical and social infrastructure that works for everyone and puts the needs of the community first. We’re creating a legacy to be enjoyed for generations, making more attractive spaces that serve the community the best way they can”.
RTPI President Ian Tant MRTPI said:
“Many congratulations to all this year’s finalists, who demonstrate outstanding contributions to planning, producing a positive effect on our communities, the economy and the environment. They have shown how planners can use their passion and skills to meet needs, deliver high quality design and tackle environmental challenges – they should all be proud of their role as a force for good in society.”
The winners will be announced during a ceremony held at Milton Court Concert Hall in central London on 24 April 2019.
Andrew Jones MRTPI, Practice Leader Design Planning + Economics at AECOM, said:
“AECOM is proud to once again be a headline sponsor of this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence. The finalists are a diverse mixture of outstanding examples of planning, which demonstrate the breadth of the impact the profession has on quality place making and delivery in the built environment.”
David Jackson MRTPI, Head of Planning at Savills, said:
“Savills is delighted to be a headline sponsor of the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence. The finalists reflect the positive impact planning has on our communities and wider society across the UK, Ireland and internationally through exemplary projects, plans and people.”
The RTPI champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. It is the only body in the UK that confers Chartered status to planners, the highest professional qualification sought after by employers. It supports its members – over 25,000 worldwide – throughout their careers.
