KEY DETAILS
Kensington Fields
Location: Harrogate
Homes: 184
Partners: Harrogate Housing Association, Bracewell Homes and Sigma Capital
Project Duration: 3 years
Gross Development Value: £59m
Land: Brownfield
Social Value: Approx. £2.6 million, in addition to the funding and scope of works previously agreed within the Employment & Skills Plan with Homes England.
Introduction
Located just minutes from Harrogate, Kensington Fields offers 184 modern homes through the Countryside Homes brand. The development blends heritage and sustainability, with four original Police Training College buildings and features like the sunken garden being retained and refurbished. Built on a brownfield site and designed around ecological constraints, Kensington Fields demonstrates how careful planning can create vibrant communities while protecting the environment.
Housing Delivery and Affordable Homes
Vistry is delivering new homes at Kensington Fields through our Countryside Homes retail brand, offering a mix of properties for sale on the open market alongside private rental options to suit a range of housing needs in the area.
“The site team are lovely, polite and happy to help. The house was clean at handover and the rooms are a lovely size with plenty of natural light. Everything so far has been great and really easy!”
“We are really excited to see these high quality, new homes take shape, which will provide much needed, affordable rental accommodation for local people. We are the only housing association actually based in Harrogate, and our dedicated, local team look forward to welcoming residents into their new homes.”
Chief Executive of Harrogate Housing Association
Community Facilities
Located on a former brownfield site, Kensington Fields offers residents a unique blend of heritage, nature, and connectivity. Just two miles south of Harrogate, the development combines modern homes with restored historic buildings and landscaped features. With excellent transport links, nearby schools, and access to parks, gardens, and attractions like RHS Harlow Carr and Harewood House, Kensington Fields is ideal for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in a well-connected, characterful community.
While no new community buildings are being constructed on-site, a substantial package of contributions has been secured through the S106 agreement to enhance local infrastructure and amenities. These include:
- Contributions to primary and secondary schools - £1.1 million.
- Offsite POS contribution to help semi-natural green space - £142,039.79
- Onsite POS contribution to be paid in lieu of ManCo - £71,550.50
- Offsite outdoor sports facilities and sports pitch contribution to Pannal Community Park to replace facilities - £595,000
- Highway infrastructure contribution for junction mitigation and sustainable transport enhancements - £691,965.00
These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting thriving, well-connected communities.
Jobs and Local Business
Vistry has committed to supporting apprenticeships as part of its Employment and Skills Plan with Homes England. As a member of the 5% Club, the company is investing in the next generation by offering both on-site and off-site opportunities, collaborating with subcontractors to provide apprenticeships and work experience, particularly focusing on those within a 25-mile radius.
Commitment to Nature and Sustainability
Vistry is committed to Homes for Nature, a plan to help wildlife thrive in the places we build. This development has been designed to work around and incorporate ecological constraints.
The development has:
- Protected trees
- Protected badger setts
- Barn owl box
- Bat & bird boxes
- Insect hotel