Bellway Homes and Sports Direct are planning something new for Bexley

The London Borough of Bexley has recently been voted the second most in-demand borough by Zoopla, meaning property prices are higher according to the Office of National Statistics.

The increase in price stands at six per cent since the beginning of 2017. Bellway Homes, a national property developer, has a strong presence in the borough and is part of plans to acquire land on the former Bexley Civic Offices.

This will be redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme including homes, commercial space and is a collaboration with Sports Direct. The land was originally acquired by the sports retailer, but was sold to Bellway just earlier this month.

Ian Gorst, managing director of Bellway Homes’ Thames Gateway division, commented: “Bexleyheath is an area ripe for development and where there is a demand for new homes.

“[We] are keen to invest, and this particular site is a great opportunity to contribute to the improvements to the town centre. Working with Sports Direct, we will deliver a scheme that reflects the council’s ambitions for its current and new communities and public realm.”

It has been proposed that the 3.7-acre site, including one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a new Sports Direct store and other commercial units, is named Eastside Quarter.

Bellway aims to deliver up to 500 new homes and 29,000 sq-ft of commercial space. This development will also include 12,000 sq-ft for the new sports store as well as a car park and enhancements to Highland Road.

The homes are expected to be near Sainsbury’s and Lidl stores which are both a short walk away, along with various independent retailers and high-street stores along the Broadway and Broadway Shopping Centre that has more than 60 stores and restaurants.

Cllr Linda Bailey, the council’s cabinet member for Regeneration and Growth, said: “After a number of years of sitting empty, a planning application for this key site will now be coming forward.

“We have already been very clear with Bellway about our expectations for a high-quality scheme and are encouraged that they share our aspirations and commitment both for this site and the town more widely.”

Bexleyheath is a 15-minute walk from the development, which offers connections into London Charing Cross and Victoria. Plans for the opening of Crossrail in 2019 will see faster and more frequent train services into London as well via a new link at Abbey Wood, three miles from the development.

Bellway is hoping that, once its planning application is submitted this month, construction will start on the site in early 2018 if approved.