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Plans approved for Shredded Wheat factory site

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageIJM Land Aerial photograph shows a large former industrial complex occupying a cleared redevelopment site. The most prominent structures include a multi-storey factory building with green-framed windows, a taller white industrial tower, and a chimney stack rising from the site. Large areas of surrounding land have been demolished or cleared, exposing bare ground and creating open spaces around the retained buildings.IJM Land
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said the scheme represented a significant step in the long-term regeneration of the area

Plans have been approved to redevelop the former Shredded Wheat factory into over 500 new homes and other buildings.

The site opened 100 years ago off Broadwater Road in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and closed in 2008 when production stopped.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has granted planning permission for the scheme, called the "Wheat Quarter".

The Labour leader of the authority and executive member for planning, Rose Grewal, said it would "bring a long-vacant site back into use" and "provide new homes and investment".

On Monday, the council said it had issued the decision notice following completion of a Section 106 agreement and following the approval by the development management committee.

The plans include the restoration and repurposing of the iconic Grade II listed former Shredded Wheat silos, which first operated in 1926, as the focal point of a new public square.

News imageIJM Land A computer-generated aerial masterplan illustrates a large mixed-use development arranged around a network of streets, courtyards and landscaped public spaces. The scheme includes several apartment buildings of varying heights, rows of terraced houses, and a prominent taller residential block positioned near the centre of the site. Railway lines run along one edge of the development.IJM Land
The "Wheat Quarter" includes over 500 homes with retail units, bars and restaurants

The authority said the long-vacant industrial site would be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood featuring new homes alongside commercial, leisure and community uses.

The "Wheat Quarter" scheme is being developed by property developer IJM and proposals include:

  • 6.5 acres of public open space including green areas, play areas and a civic square
  • Improvements to the pedestrian footbridge from the train station – including shortening of the bridge, a new lift and stairs, a retail unit and cycle hub
  • Repurposing of the silos into a sky bar and restaurant, together with leisure space on the ground floor
  • The boiler house and grain store to be transformed, creating a food, beverage and retail area
  • 578 homes including flats and retirement living properties
News imageIJM Land A computer-generated image shows a redevelopment centred on a group of tall cylindrical silos retained as a prominent architectural feature. The silos are integrated into a public square surrounded by new buildings, landscaped areas and pedestrian spaces, with people walking and gathering throughout the scene. Young trees, planting and seating help create an open urban environment.IJM Land
The plans include the restoration and repurposing of the iconic Grade II listed former Shredded Wheat silos

Steve Crutchley, the UK development director for IJM, said his team was "delighted" with the approval.

"We have already procured a contractor and will immediately start construction works to transform this site into the gateway that Welwyn Garden City deserves".

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