First phase at iconic former Shredded Wheat factory completed

Posted 11/08/2023

The first phase of 208 mixed tenure new homes at the former iconic Shredded Wheat factory site in Welywn Garden City, Hertfordshire has been completed.

Higgins Partnerships has worked in partnership with Metropolitan Thames Valley to provide 52 Shared Ownership properties, 106 for affordable rent and 50 homes exclusively for the over 55s at Wheat Quarter Phase One.

The landmark 24 acre historic site was originally built in the 1920s, after being commissioned by Welwyn Garden City planner Ebenezer Howard to attract Shredded Wheat manufacturers Nabisco to the town and has been an iconic part of the area ever since.

The factory finally closed its doors in 2008 after 73 years of use before Welywn and Hatfield Borough Council granted planning consent for the complete transformation and regeneration of the site in February 2019.

Steve Leakey, Managing Director of Higgins Partnerships comments, “We are extremely proud to have worked in partnership with Metropolitan Thames Valley on the first phase of what is an iconic site for the local community. What Quarter Phase One has provided a range of affordable homes to meet local needs, including a number of retirement properties, and marks the start of this exciting new residential community.

“Throughout our time here, we have also ensured that we have created training and employment opportunities for those living in the local area, through our work with Joe Brenan Training, Women into Construction and JCP Mentoring Circle.

“Working in partnership with Skills Builder we have supported children at Stanborough Secondary School, Watford on the Accelerator Programme to improve essential skills learning and making it a core part of education for every child and young person. We have also provided an insight into apprenticeships through Construction Youth Trust and supported and engaged with local young people to reduce anti-social behaviour as part of the Youth Centre YMCA.”

Wheat Quarter Phase One also received a Gold Secured by Design Award Certificate from Hertfordshire Constabulary for working closely with the Crime Prevention team from the outset to ensure innovative planning made the development the safest it can be with crime prevention at the very heart, focusing on Hertfordshire’s Prevention First policing approach.