McDowell+Benedetti wins redevelopment Masterplan in Uttoxeter

Architect McDowell + Benedetti has won the competition to masterplan a former JCB Heavy Products Site in Staffordshire, UK. Six firms were originally invited by the RIBA to submit proposals and the list was cut down to two in July. The practice beat Glen Howells Architects to the appointment, which involves designing the 9ha development in Uttoxeter town centre. The relocation of the Heavy Products business to a new, larger and more accessible £40 million plant next to the JCB World Parts Centre on the outskirts of Uttoxeter has presented the opportunity to redevelop this important town centre site and contribute to the wider renaissance of Uttoxeter, where the Bamford family has links stretching back almost 200 years. The proposed scheme includes 257 homes, a new Civic Park and 9,200 sqm of commercial space. Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB, said: “The quality of the entrants was extremely high and the decision to select a winner was difficult but I believe the design masterplan which McDowell + Benedetti have conceived will give the town of Uttoxeter a development to be proud of.” Renato Benedetti, partner at McDowell+Benedetti, added: “We are delighted to be selected and look forward to working closely with Sir Anthony and local stakeholders to secure an appropriate enduring legacy for Uttoxeter.” An application for outline planning permission has been submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council.