Plans to build hundreds of new homes in a seven-storey block on the site of the old Civic Centre in Bexleyheath have been announced by developers.

The site has been abandoned since 2014 when the council moved down the road into the old Barclays building but now Bellway have announced plans for houses and retail units in collaboration with Sports Direct.

Tesco sold the site of Bexley Council's old offices to Sports Direct in 2015, who sold it to Bellway earlier this month.

Bellway plans to built up to 500 new homes and 29,000 sq ft of commercial space.

The development will also include 12,000 sq ft for a Sports Direct store, a parking area and enhancements to Highland Road.

Councillor Linda Bailey, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: “We are delighted that, after a number of years sitting empty, a planning application for this key site in our town centre will now be coming forward.

"We have already been very clear with Bellway about our expectations for a high quality scheme and are encouraged that they share our aspirations and commitment both for this site and the town more widely”.

The proposal is that the 3.7-acre site, named Eastside Quarter include one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a new Sports Direct store, along with other commercial units.

The initial plan is for the development to span seven storeys, with commercial space on the ground floor and car parking.

Ian Gorst, managing director of Bellway Homes’ Thames Gateway division, said: “Bexleyheath is an area ripe for development and where there is a demand for new homes. Bellway is keen to invest in the area, and this particular site is a great opportunity to contribute to the improvements to the town centre.

 

“Working with Sports Direct, we will deliver a scheme that reflects the Council’s ambitions for its current and new communities, new commercial opportunities and high-quality public realm.”

Councillor Daniel Francis, leader of the Labour Group in Bexley said : "It remains a great disappointment that the council did not take a tougher line on clauses within the legal agreement when they sold the site to Tesco. 

"If they had, then the council may have been in a stronger position to ensure the type of housing including affordable homes and retail to be provided on the site, and that tax payers benefited from any gain made on the sale of the site from Tesco to Sports Direct and now to Bellway."

Plans will be subject to public consultation and planning approval.

If approved, the first homes could go on sale by late 2018.