Work has officially begun on the major redevelopment of The Oval in Stevenage, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of one of the town’s long-standing neighbourhood centres and supporting the council’s wider housing development programme.

The breaking-ground took place on Friday 30 January and was attended by representatives from Bugler Developments, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage OBE, Richard Henry, Leader of the Council, Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing, SBC councillors, ward councillors and officers, Lloyd Briscoe, Deputy Mayor of Stevenage, Sian Carter, Homes England and Toby Fox, founder of 1.5M New Homes.

The Oval, which has been part of Stevenage since the 1960s, is being transformed into a vibrant, modern neighbourhood with new homes, shops, church, community facilities and a welcoming market square designed for residents and families to enjoy.

The first phase of the redevelopment is being delivered in partnership with Bugler Developments and includes Brent Court, a brand-new independent living scheme, a council-led development of 91 modern, affordable independent homes. Phase One will also deliver a new church, a community building and new play spaces, helping to create a thriving and inclusive community hub.

The redevelopment is being supported by £20.5million of funding from Homes England and forms a key part of Stevenage Borough Council’s long-term, council-led housing development programme, which has been delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the town since 2015.

The Oval redevelopment is part of a strong pipeline of housing developments across Stevenage, including the forthcoming handover of Dunn Close and Brodie Court, the council’s independent living scheme which was finished at the end of summer 2025 and is now fully occupied. These developments provide modern, supported accommodation for older residents, encouraging downsizing while freeing up larger council-owned homes for families and vulnerable residents who need them most.

Councillor Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“The Oval has been an important part of Stevenage for decades and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This redevelopment will deliver high-quality, affordable homes alongside welcoming community spaces that bring people together.

Importantly, it supports our wider housing development programme - helping us meet local housing need, make better use of our housing stock, and deliver homes that work for residents at every stage of life.”

Andy Bugler, CEO, Bugler Developments said:

“We’re proud to be working in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council on the regeneration of The Oval. This is a landmark project that will deliver high-quality homes and meaningful community spaces, while respecting the area’s heritage and creating a place people can be proud to call home. We’re delighted to see work getting underway on this first phase.”

Further phases of the redevelopment will be brought forward as work continues to transform The Oval into a vibrant neighbourhood and a place the whole community can be proud of. Find out more about the housing development programme

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