Gerald Eve Planning team appointed to Unity scheme

Property consultancy Gerald Eve has been appointed as planning consultants to the 250-hectare, mixed-use Unity scheme in Doncaster, Yorkshire.

One of Yorkshire’s largest regeneration and infrastructure projects, Unity is a joint venture between Hargreaves Land and Waystone.

Gerald Eve’s experienced planning team, led by partner and joint head of the Manchester office, Harry Spawton, will advise on all aspects of planning for the scheme which currently has outline consent for 3,100 residential units and 2m sq ft of commercial space.

Commenting on Gerald Eve’s appointment Harry Spawton said: ”Unity is one of the region’s most significant developments in recent years and we are proud to be working with the JV team to help bring it forward.

“The masterplan for the site is configured across five zones with each area delivering different components, including much needed housing stock for the local area as well as a wide variety of design and build commercial and warehouse space of up to 1,000,000 sq ft.”

Gerald Eve’s Manchester office will lead the project for the national multi-disciplinary property consultancy which has nine regional offices across the UK.

The mixed-use scheme, located at Junction 5 of the M18 at Hatfield, Doncaster, is set to deliver over 2 million sq.ft of employment space, 3,100 new homes, a new marina, school, transport hub and 80 hectares of open spaces. Over the next 20 years the development is expected to inject over £900m into the local economy and create up to 7,000 jobs.

Significant investment has been made in the creation of a new 2.9km link road which is due to complete before the end of 2020. The new road connects the M18 to Waggons Way next to the former Hatfield Colliery, improving access to the motorway network for residents in local communities.

Lee Weatherall from Hargreaves Land and leading on planning for the Unity Joint Venture said: “The experience that Gerald Eve brings to Unity will help us to bring forward a scheme as swiftly as possible in these fast changing market conditions.  They have significant local knowledge, expert planning insight across the many sectors we will be delivering at Unity and are part of a national team of real estate experts for wider support and advice.”

Unity is being supported by Doncaster Council and Sheffield City Region which are part funding the link road. Homes England is also supporting the extensive proposed housing programme.