A notable new housing development is planned to take shape in Hemel Hempstead, with the potential to redefine how communities are designed and built in the UK.

The Crown Estate has partnered with TOWN to deliver Westwick Row, a five-acre site near Leverstock Green, with a draft allocation for approximately 80 homes in a connected, sustainable neighbourhood. Ridge is providing cost management services for this forward-thinking project.

Community collaboration

Westwick Row is being developed with a strong emphasis on community involvement, ensuring that local residents help shape the future of their neighbourhood. This collaborative approach aligns with The Crown Estate’s broader mission to create long-term prosperity for people, places, and the environment. By working closely with the community, TOWN and The Crown Estate are setting a new benchmark for inclusive, responsible, and high-quality housing development.

TOWN, a profit-with-purpose developer, is known for its commitment to delivering sustainable and people-focused places. Their expertise in engaging with future residents and local stakeholders ensures that Westwick Row will not only meet housing needs but also enhance the wider community.

Sustainability standards

Westwick Row is designed to demonstrate best practices in sustainability, ensuring that new housing developments can meet the challenges of the future. Key features include:

• High energy efficiency – homes designed to lower energy bills for residents and reduce environmental impact
• Sustainable materials – wherever possible, locally sourced and low-carbon materials will be used
• Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – reducing waste and embodied carbon while improving build quality
• Design for disassembly – allowing materials to be repurposed to support a circular economy
• Green infrastructure – including SuDS (sustainable drainage systems), green roofs, and wildlife corridors to promote biodiversity
• Resilient landscaping – features such as solar shading and climate-adaptive planting will help mitigate extreme weather effects
• Renewable energy – solar panels and efficient heating systems will enable operational net-zero carbon
• People-first design – minimising car parking and circulation space to prioritise safe play areas, social spaces, and improved air quality.

What’s next?

Westwick Row isn’t just about delivering high-quality homes, it’s about setting a new precedent for housing development in the UK. The scheme is part of a wider effort to rethink how communities are designed, focusing on meaningful engagement, sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term value.

The planning application is targeted for autumn 2025, with construction anticipated to commence in late 2026, and completion by 2028.

It’s fantastic to be part of the Westwick Row project in Hemel Hempstead – a game-changing housing development that’s really pushing the limits of sustainability, community, and innovation. The collaboration between The Crown Estate and TOWN brings together great expertise and vision, and on a personal level it’s a privilege to be supporting it with Cost Management and Contract Administration advice. As we bring this forward-thinking development to life, I can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have – not just for the local community, but for the UK housing sector as a whole. Being involved in a project that’s setting new standards for housing is such a rewarding experience, and I’m excited to see it all take shape.

 

Jonathan Solly, Ridge Project Lead

We are excited to be playing a key role in this transformative project, watch this space for more updates. If you’d like to learn more about our involvement, please contact Jonathan at jsolly@ridge.co.uk.