Date published: 10 October 2023
Part of a redundant airfield in New Cardington has been given a new lease of life in the form of affordable homes by leading social housing provider Stonewater.
Working with Vistry Homes, Rund Partnerships and Bedford Borough Council, Stonewater has provided 33 new affordable homes for people with a local connection to the area, part of wider growth in the area that has transformed the old RAF airfield in the village.
A ribbon cutting event gave partners the opportunity to celebrate the completion of Stonewater’s new homes, a mixture of houses and flats for affordable rent and shared ownership, which make up part of Vistry Homes’ larger site of 108 homes.
The site sits between Cardington and Shortstown, and benefits from regular transport links to Bedford town centre as well as excellent local schools and amenities.
Stonewater’s environmental aims have also been considered with the inclusion of wildflower meadow turf in the gardens, which will attract wildlife to the customers’ homes. The site also includes green spaces for customers to enjoy.
The history of the area has not been forgotten in the development’s design either, which includes a unique public art sculpture commissioned by Stonewater and reflecting the area’s fascinating links to Warner Brothers films.
Sitting directly adjacent to Grade II listed airship building sheds that have been featured in films including Star Wars and Batman, the New Cardington site is now home to a Movie Reel sculpture designed and created by Hammer and Tongs blacksmiths for customers and the local community to enjoy.
Paul Elliot, Master Blacksmith and founder of Hammer and Tongs, said: “The Cardington Hangers are a striking, larger-than-life part of the history of all our lives over two world wars and beyond into the present day.
“Their crossover into the world of the arts is not quite so obvious and so I wanted to mark this transition with a sculpture unmistakeably linked to the world of film – that of cans of film reels. I hope the local community and those who visit will enjoy this sculpture and the visual dialogue between the old and new.”
Chris Montague, Stonewater’s Director of Development (East & North), said: “These houses and flats are a fantastic addition to the area, meeting demand for quality homes and providing much-needed affordable housing options for local people.
“To be able to provide over 30 affordable homes in a village setting, which brings our total number of homes in the Bedford area to over 1,500, is great news for the community, and we hope our customers will be extremely happy in their new homes.”
