Cardington,

Client - Bellcross

Stage - Feasibility & Planning

Accommodation - 702no. Units:

Located approximately 5 miles from Bedford, our client purchased one of the two famous Cardington Sheds, and a large amount of the surrounding land.

The ‘sheds’ are huge hanger buildings, built to house airships in the early 20th century and are now listed buildings. In October 1930, the R101 airship left from Cardington on its maiden voyage to India but disaster struck over Beauvis in France, resulting in the airship crashing to the ground with the loss of 48 of the 54 people on bord.

After production of the airships was halted, the sheds have seen numerous uses over the years, ranging from an Airforce base, balloon maintenance, BRE fire research facility, film studios and rehearsal spaces.

Bellcross undertook a programme of restoration for the shed and sought Planning Approval for housing on the surrounding land.

CMYK obtained detailed Planning Approval for all three phases, including 110 dwellings at the entrance to the site, 425 dwellings behind the sheds, and 167 dwellings to the Southeast.

The total of 702 dwellings provided a mix of house and apartment sizes and styles, together with affordable homes. The scheme also delivered open space, play areas, and some commercial facilities. We also designed a large central open space to be the exact shape and size of the ill-fated R101 airship that acts as a memorial to the lives lost.

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