Kings Reach, Biggleswade

Client: King's Reach Project Management

Role: Masterplanning and Urban Design

Kings Reach is a sensitively planned sustainable urban extension to Biggleswade in mid Bedfordshire. The concept for 2100 homes is based on best practice principles in sustainable design.

The quality of the external environment is fundamental to the success of new communities and at Kings Reach the sense of enclosure has been inspired by existing local villages such as Potton and Ampthill which offer tight knit places that are attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.

The informal grid offers permeability, choice of routes through the new community and good links with the centre of Biggleswade. The distorted street pattern controls longer views and ensures an unfolding walk with elements of surprise that provides surveillance and naturally controls traffic. Whilst the urban design is inspired by the past the buildings will be elegant, well proportioned classic contemporary architecture.