Celebrating Poundbury Magazine Issue 2: The Family Edition | Page 8

PAST , PRESENT AND FUTURE

When The Prince of Wales forged ahead with plans for Poundbury , he broke the mould for conventional housing developments in the UK . Almost a quarter of a century later we look at the result
Brandon Lewis
Photograph by Sky Pics UK

Poundbury is unique in so many ways . Just 23 years after the first brick was laid in Poundbury , the principles of urban design championed by The Prince of Wales have now inspired planners , architects and developers around the globe . From road systems in Aberdeen to a new development in Cornwall , Nansledan , where the Duchy of Cornwall itself is building an urban extension to Newquay , that will span the next 40 years . The idea that you can live , socialise , work and meet most of your daily needs in close proximity without the need of a car is not just a bold development concept , but a reality for many people who live in Poundbury . Today , there are more than 3,000 people living in more than 1,500 homes in Poundbury . This will soon be increased with the addition of 550 homes in the North East Quadrant .

By the time Poundbury is complete in 2025 , it is expected that the population of Dorchester will have increased by a quarter – that is some 4,500 additional residents .
“ Poundbury is a great example of truly mixed community , combining affordable and open market housing ”
Minister of State for Housing and Planning Brandon Lewis , told Celebrating Poundbury magazine : “ Poundbury is a great example of truly mixed community , combining affordable and open market housing and all built to excellent design standards . “ It ’ s places like Poundbury that drive me to want to push up not just building the new homes we need but the look and quality
of them , so people everywhere in the country can benefit from highquality housing .” Of course the business community is still young , but the number of businesses grow year on year . In the last seven years alone employment figures have grown by 90 %. Many of these are small , independent businesses operating in an environment which has enabled them to grow . Today the small shops surrounding the squares , and the offices tucked away in snug courtyards give Poundbury its own distinctive look and feel .
For more information about Poundbury ’ s concepts and heritage visit www . celebratingpoundbury . co . uk / heritage
WWW . CELEBRATINGPOUNDBURY . CO . UK 5