A new public-private partnership is to build 3,500 homes in south-east England.
Developer Urban&Civic and the Wellcome Trust have signed agreements with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Councils for the development, which recently gained planning approval.
The Marydown development vehicle LLP is to build on a 250 acre plot, with 40% of the properties being affordable, as well as erecting two primary schools, two local centres and business premises.
Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Keith Mans said: 'For the county council, Manydown represents our highest ambition for the type of prosperous and sustainable communities we wish to develop in Hampshire for future generations.
'Residents will be able to enjoy good quality housing, schools and community facilities which have been carefully designed to promote social cohesiveness, in an environmentally conscious and modern countryside setting.
'This is an ambitious venture and one of the largest developments in this part of the country, and so it is appropriate that it will be led by such a unique and innovative partnership, of which we are very pleased to be a part.'
Urban&Civic chief executive officer Nigel Hugill said: 'The Manydown development is the most significant proposed in Basingstoke since the 1970s. The challenges are clear and priorities have been reset. There is no longer a presumption that town can only meet country by means of a petrol engine. Equally, the fundamental underlying strengths of Basingstoke have not changed.
'Accessibility, connectivity and a forward-looking conviction will find new resonance in a digital age, located within the enduring magnificence of the surrounding countryside. I applaud the determination of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, in conjunction with Hampshire County Council, to create a partnership capable of keeping hold of such bold ambition. Urban&Civic will relish taking charge of operational delivery.'
