5 things we learned from the new Wheat Quarter masterplan

Here's five things we learned from the masterplan.

1. Number of homes reduced

In two previous applications, 811 and 1,200 homes were proposed for the site, but Malaysian-based developer IJM Land - which purchased The Wheat Quarter back in January - is planning for far fewer homes.

According to the masterplan, 140 two, three and four-bedroom houses are proposed for the eastern side of the development, with 300 rentable apartments to the west.

There are also plans for 140 retirement apartments.

As for parking and cycling, the masterplan adds: "There will be a total of 390 car parking spaces within the scheme via on-street and basement car parks, with electric vehicle charging included. A car club will also be provided.

"One cycle space will be provided for every home – an additional 126 public cycle parking spaces will also be made available. A further 11 lockers and 16 spaces will be available in the secure Cycle Hub."

2. New lease of life for silos, boiler house and grain store

The silos of the former Shredded Wheat factory are an iconic Welwyn Garden City landmark, and they are set to a new lease of life.

"We propose to retain the silos as the landmark heritage building, with surrounding massing designed to maintain the silos as the most prominent feature," the masterplan reads.

"We also believe the silos can and should be repurposed to deliver a sky bar and restaurant, together with community-focused activities on the ground floor, with potential uses including a climbing wall, sky diving experience, zip wires and bouldering for all ages."

There are also plans to "transform the boiler house and grain store to create a food and beverage area, including tap room", as well as provide a space for community events.

The iconic silos are set to be the centrepiece of the development. (Image: Alan Davies)

3. Iconic building to go

One of the more recognisable buildings could go though, with the production hall set to be demolished.

"We have worked hard to find a viable solution for the production hall building," the masterplan continues.

"But after more than six months of detailed surveys, careful analysis and ongoing discussions with Historic England and the council’s conservation officer, it has been concluded that the building is beyond viable repair, so it must be demolished in order to pave the way for The Wheat Quarter to be delivered."

4. A new hotel

Another exciting part of the masterplan is the 180 room apart-hotel, which will provide self-catering apartments as well as ordinary hotel facilities.

"The addition of an apart-hotel into the heart of the scheme alongside a shift to more food, beverage and recreational uses will increase the ability of The Wheat Quarter to function as a place to live, work  and visit," the masterplan states.

"It will maximise the social and economic benefits associated with people visiting the site from within and outside Welwyn Garden City."

5. Official plans to be submitted soon

After a consultation event last weekend, and another this Saturday, a planning application is set to be submitted soon.

According to the masterplan, a proposal will be put forward to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in December, with a formal consultation coming in January next year.

It is then hoped that a planning decision will be made in the spring or summer 2025.