The Edenbury Design Code is a comprehensive, landscape-led code that strengthens connections between the town and countryside for a new urban extension of a mixed-use community of 845 homes in Welwyn Garden City. The code aims to foster a strong sense of community, promotes a distinctive local character, and supports a 10-year vision strategy through a strong placemaking approach.

ClientHomes England and Bellway
Site Size 54.5 ha
Other Consultants

Fabrik

BPTW’s urban design team is delivering a comprehensive design code supported by a vision strategy for Edenbury, located to the north-east of Welwyn Garden City. The design code is rooted in a considered baseline analysis, and a detailed character study of the surrounding heritage and key local features. The analysis supports a place-specific built strategy, based on the National Model Design Code, to define three area types guiding the development of two new linked villages.

A vision strategy that informs the overall design guides the placemaking approach. This strategy is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the broader context and aspirations, focusing on multiple scales, drawing lessons from the past, and embedded in the masterplan’s landscape-led approach.

The placemaking approach strengthens links to the town centre, enhances connections to the countryside, and defines a mixed-use community at its heart, integrated with the landscape. The associated design coding establishes a distinctive character for the new neighbourhood inspired by the site’s aerodrome heritage, Neo-Georgian character evolved from the historic Welwyn Garden City town centre, and the rural heritage of adjacent historic villages.

A 10-year phased strategy for landscape and built form will support the new community, provide a mature landscape for incoming residents, and foster a sense of stewardship.