Abbey Central, West Bridgford

Urban Housing Development

Allan Joyce Architects were appointed by Rushcliffe Borough Council following a successful design competition to prepare the Design Code, Illustrative Scheme and secure outline planning permission for the regeneration of the former Abbey Road Depot in West Bridgford. Following planning approval, we were retained by developers Peveril Homes and Stagfield to deliver the detailed design and technical stages of this landmark residential development.

Creating a New Sustainable Community

Built on a brownfield site, the Abbey Central development transforms a former commercial depot into an award-winning neighbourhood that sets a new benchmark for sustainable housing in West Bridgford. The project was designed to create a vibrant, high-quality residential environment that promotes modern family living while embracing low-carbon design, enhanced biodiversity and long-term environmental sustainability.

The development delivers 71 contemporary homes across a range of house types and tenures, with 30% of the homes provided as affordable housing. Every home has been carefully designed to exceed, where possible, the Nationally Described Space Standards, providing generous, flexible living spaces that support changing family needs.

The masterplan introduces a series of distinctive building forms, including terraces, linked homes, apartments and home-zone streets, each carefully tailored to its location within the site. A consistent architectural language unifies the development through the use of detailed brickwork, full-height glazing, recessed entrances, metal balconies and high-quality contemporary materials.

Sustainable Design

Sustainability has been integral to the design from the outset. The scheme is one of the largest gas-free residential developments in the borough, incorporating Air Source Heat Pumps, photovoltaic (PV) panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout. These technologies reduce carbon emissions while helping residents benefit from lower energy consumption and future-ready homes.

A new central green space forms the heart of the development, providing an attractive area for informal recreation while functioning as sustainable drainage infrastructure to manage rainwater and reduce flood risk. Landscaping across the site includes more than 40 new trees, native planting, wildflower areas, specimen shrubs and integrated bird and bat boxes, delivering a significant increase in biodiversity compared with the site's previous commercial use.

Our Role

From the earliest stages of masterplanning through to technical delivery, Allan Joyce Architects played a key role in shaping a residential development that balances design quality, sustainability and commercial viability. Working closely with the local authority, developers and the wider consultant team, we helped create a distinctive new neighbourhood that contributes positively to the ongoing regeneration of West Bridgford.

Award Recognition

The quality of the scheme has been recognised nationally, winning Residential Development of the Year (Under 100 Units) at the Insider Media East Midlands Residential Property Awards 2025. The award celebrates the project's outstanding architectural design, commitment to sustainable development and successful delivery of a high-quality new community.