Dorchester Living is inviting residents and local stakeholders to an engaging Masterplan Consultation Day on Sunday 13th April 2025, to actively participate in shaping the next phase of Heyford Park. This follows a previous consultation held in September 2024 and provides a further opportunity for the community to speak directly with the experts behind this landmark regeneration project, which is transforming the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase into a vibrant and sustainable new community.
Hosted at Heyford Park, the day will outline the innovative masterplan, with information boards and informal discussions available throughout where all questions on the masterplan are welcome. In addition to the Dorchester Living team, acclaimed architectural practice Proctor & Matthews and specialists from Mode Transport Consultants will be on hand to answer questions related to architectural design, sustainable transport and the environmental principles embedded in the scheme.
The event will also include a wide range of activities designed for all ages including live music, Go Karting, a bouncy castle, face painting, an Easter Hunt and more.
The ongoing transformation of RAF Upper Heyford has already delivered a thriving community with 1,200 homes built, alongside community facilities and commercial spaces providing local employment opportunities. A range of amenities have been well established, including Heyford Park School, tennis courts, hotel, restaurant, pharmacy and a Sainsbury’s local.
The next phase marks a significant step forward and offers a chance for the community to influence how Heyford Park evolves in a way that enhances everyday life and long-term sustainability — from how energy is generated and shared, to how people work, travel and access essential services.
The plans include a major expansion of community infrastructure, designed to support everyday life and foster a strong sense of place. This includes a new health hub, multiple community centres, extensive sports facilities, generous green space and parkland. These elements will create a balanced and self-sufficient community that supports wellbeing and brings long-term social and economic value to Oxfordshire.
The updated proposals set out the delivery of new educational provisions as a key part of the plan, with a new secondary school and three new primary schools. The plans propose an additional 6,000 to 8,000 homes, including 30% affordable homes, assisted living properties and an allocated selection of houses for key workers. With sustainable living at the heart of its vision, Heyford Park aims to become the UK’s first energy surplus town, powered by renewable energy, energy-efficient construction and modern, low-carbon transport infrastructure. Heyford Park is already a key employment hub in Oxfordshire, the masterplan will create over 7,000 new jobs, through new commercial and employment spaces, with a focus on clean tech and low-carbon sectors, as well as creative industries.
Upgrades to upgrade Heyford Station are a key priority, with improved facilities and active travel routes planned to make access easier and more sustainable and help reduce car dependence. In addition, there are proposals to reopen Ardley Station, further strengthening rail links to London and Birmingham.
Heyford Park also seeks to strike a balance between historical appreciation and contemporary living. Approximately 60% of the site will be dedicated to green infrastructure — enhancing biodiversity, creating leisure opportunities and supporting renewable energy initiatives such as solar power.
Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living stated, “Heyford Park is set to be a game-changing community centric new town, that will be built with future generations in mind. Creating a truly sustainable place to live, work and visit, we are building the foundations for thriving communities that not only meet the needs of today but can adapt and grow with the people who live and work here in the years to come.”
For more details on the masterplan and the consultation event, please visit www.heyfordpark.com