Places for People and Barratt Redrow launch major joint venture for 8,500-home Gilston community

Places for People and Barratt Redrow have announced a landmark joint venture to deliver a new 8,500-home garden-style community in East Hertfordshire.

The development, located on the outskirts of Gilston, is being positioned as one of the UK’s most significant placemaking projects in recent decades.

🏗️ Development overview

The scheme will deliver six interconnected villages set within approximately 660 hectares of open space, including restored parkland, meadows, woodland, and landscaped green corridors.

In total, the project will provide:

• 8,500 new homes

• At least 1,950 affordable homes

• A mix of housing designed to support long-term regional demand

🌿 Masterplan and placemaking

The approved Strategic Landscape Masterplan sets out a long-term vision focused on landscape-led development and community integration.

Key features include:

• 15km of heritage walking routes

• Over 410 hectares of integrated green space

• Orchards, allotments, and natural recreational areas

• Walkable village design focused on connectivity and wellbeing

The development has been designed as a modern interpretation of garden town principles, combining housing delivery with access to nature and long-term stewardship.

📊 Economic and community impact

The joint venture is expected to generate more than £6 billion in economic value over the course of delivery.

Additional benefits include:

• Thousands of construction jobs

• Apprenticeship and training opportunities

• 29,000 sqm of commercial space

• Long-term support for local enterprise and start-ups

A stewardship model is also planned to ensure the community is maintained and developed sustainably over time.

🏗️ Sector context

The project comes amid continued government focus on large-scale housing delivery, including new town-style developments and national housing targets aimed at increasing supply across the UK.

This scheme highlights the growing role of joint ventures in delivering high-volume, infrastructure-led residential communities.

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