Vistry commits to 343-acre Staffordshire site
The housebuilding group has acquired the former Rugeley Power Station site from ENGIE, the deal bringing 2,300 outline-consented homes into Vistry’s pipeline.
The brownfield site, which has undergone extensive remediation, is to be transformed into a new neighbourhood, which is expected to include an ‘all-through’ school, riverside park, 12.3 acres of employment space, and homes across a range of tenures including affordable, PRS, and open market sale.
Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive of Vistry Group, said: “This major acquisition perfectly plays to the strengths of the Group – regenerating a large brownfield site into thousands of high-quality, mixed tenure homes, whilst using our placemaking skills to create a thriving new neighbourhood.”
Vistry’s main housing brands are Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Through its Countryside Partnerships brand, Vistry pre-sells a minimum of 50% of housing on each site to partners, including registered providers, local authorities and private rented sector specialists.
A coal-fired power station, Rugeley was closed down in 2016, since when ENGIE has invested £45m in a demolition and remediation programme.
Miya Paolucci, ENGIE UK chief executive, said: “Rugeley Power Station played an important role in the UK’s energy history, and we have been proud to lead its transformation into a place focused on sustainability, community, and opportunity.
“From the outset our ambition extended beyond redevelopment to responsible stewardship, ensuring that the site would serve the long-term needs of the local community and the environment.
“We are deeply grateful to the local stakeholders, partners, and residents who have helped shape the site, guiding a regeneration effort that reflects both the area’s heritage and its aspirations. We are pleased to confirm the transfer of the site to Vistry Group, who will continue to deliver our vison of a beautiful and sustainable community asset.”
