Discussions are underway to transform the south side of Newbury with nearly 100 homes, a new Aldi, a 70-bed care home, a hospice and an electric vehicle charging station.

Greenham Trust, Aldi and the construction company Feltham Group are working on mixed-use development proposals on virgin land between Newbury College and the A339.

Under the project, called Mayfield Point, around 90 ‘new sustainable houses’ would be built next to the buildings of Newbury College.

The Aldi and charging station would be built to the north of the homes, and the nursing home and hospice to the south, just north of the new Highwood Copse Road and household waste recycling center.

Access to the charging station, Aldi and the residential area would be through the entrance to Newbury College, while the care home and hospice would be accessed from the new Highwood Copse link road.

Aldi says the new store will not replace the existing outlet on London Road, adding that it “considers this well-connected location” ideal for a second store serving residents south of the city center.

The land is currently owned by Newbury College, and the college’s chief executive and principal, Iain Wolloff, said the program would help it continue to grow and provide opportunities for its students.

He said: “The funds generated by this development will allow the college to continue the significant growth in supply for young people, adults and local businesses as part of the government’s plans for a skills-based recovery from the pandemic. and in the growth of local “green jobs”.

“The development will also increase the opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience and undertake apprenticeships in key sectors. “

Greenham Trust is also a key stakeholder in the program.

The trust, which distributes funds to charities and causes around West Berkshire and North Hampshire, will earn rental income from the building in which Aldi operates, using the funds to reinvest in the community.

Trust Managing Director Chris Boulton said: “This was an opportunity to create a consolidated mixed-use development on a very good strategic site at the southern entrance to Newbury.

“The main benefit for us is to generate funds for the trust, which is important because it would reasonably increase our donations, and that is our reason for being.

“At the time we live in, in the recovery phase of Covid, charitable needs are as great, if not more, than ever. “

Mr Boulton said they were in talks with a few interested nursing home providers, but were unable to reveal any names.

He continued: “For the care home, we have an aging population across the UK and this is very much the case in West Berkshire, and we have limited hospice space in West Berkshire – just the community hospital.

“People at the end of their life must now either be cared for at home, in the limited facilities of the community hospital, or be removed from the area. “

A website has been set up for consultation on the project.

For more information visit https://www.mayfieldpoint.co.uk.