English Partnerships has chosen a joint partnership between Crest Nicholson and Galliford Try to develop more than 700 new eco-homes across three former hospital sites in the town of Epsom, Surrey.

In total, around 54 ha of land will be developed to provide new homes, shops, a hotel/conference centre and public parkland. 

Around one third of the homes will be affordable (including rental) with a number available for first time buyers.  Some of the existing hospital buildings, including the small number that are listed, will be retained and converted into apartments and the hotel as part of the overall scheme.

All of the homes in the new build section will achieve an Eco Homes ‘Excellent’ rating and there will be a 50% reduction in CO² emissions across the sites in comparison with conventional developments.  

A spokesperson for English Partnerships said, “The regeneration of the Epsom Cluster sites will enable us to create a high-quality development that will help to address housing need in an area where affordability is an issue for many homebuyers.” 

English Partnerships and Crest Nicholson/Galliford Try will now work with local people to ensure the regeneration proposals meet their needs and that the development is fully integrated. 

The Epsom Cluster hospital sites form part of the Hospital Sites Programme being run by English Partnerships to bring 96 former hospital sites back into productive use. 

Nationally the programme aims to deliver up to 14,000 new homes, including properties for first-time buyers.