Edgar Street Grid (ESG) Herefordshire has chosen Sanctuary as their preferred partner to oversee the regeneration of a new urban village in the city.

The Board of ESG took the decision at the end of many months hard work by Sanctuary which involved staff and independent advisors.

The Chief Executive of ESG Herefordshire, Jonathan Bretherton, commented that ESG were looking for a partner that could push the boundaries of modern housing development and help create a sense of community spirit for residents who will move into the village.

Sanctuary will form a joint venture with ESG to deliver Blackfriars Urban Village, managing the 1,000 new homes that will be built on the site, of which 300 will be classed as affordable housing.

Work will now begin with the initial investment of £20m on land purchase, engaging consultants, architects and engineers to prepare plans for the site, which is due to be completed by 2020.

Group Chief Executive, David Bennett said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to work with ESG and Herefordshire Council on this pioneering project and we look forward to helping them realise their vision for the area.”