The Site
The former Gas Works site presents a unique opportunity as one of the few vacant, brownfield sites in Christchurch Town Centre.
The site is identified as a potential housing allocation under reference CT007 for 150-190 new homes in the emerging BCP Local Plan consultation.
The site previously contained gas holder structures although the tanks have been removed. The old Boiler and Booster house remains as does a former restaurant building.
Site Location
The site lies to the east of the historic core of Christchurch and to the east of the River Avon. The site lies to the west of Purewell.
The site does not lie within either the Christchurch Central Conservation Area or Purewell Conservation Area, but is within the setting of both and the proposals have been designed with this in mind.
At around 500m from Christchurch Town Centre and as a brownfield site, there is a significant opportunity for a multi-generational residential community meeting a range of needs in terms of affordable homes, homes for younger people and meeting the need for retirement living opportunities to support the town centre uses and a healthy high street economy.
Interactive Map showing the location of the site
Contextual History
Gas was manufactured in Britain between 1792 – when William Murdock first used coal gas to light his house and office in Redruth – and 1981, when the last gasworks closed in Britain.
In Christchurch, a privately-owned gasworks had been established by James John Stevens in 1860 at a cost of £2000. It was then purchased in 1876 by The Christchurch Gas Company. By 1903 the gas company had been purchased by the Bournemouth Gas & Water Company.
Gas production had ceased on the site by 1914. A new boiler and booster house was built on the former retort house. The gas industry was nationalised in 1949, and became a region of Southern Gas.
The gas works has historically been a site that has been in isolation, surrounded by a patchwork of large (and previously empty) rectangular sites.
The gas holders and most buildings have been demolished, with only the old Boiler and Booster house buildings remaining.
Vision
Churchill’s vision for the former gas works site, is to deliver a development that meets the local need for multi- generational homes, whilst also contributing to the character of Christchurch and making a positive contribution locally in terms of socio, economic and environmental benefits.
Our aim is to create a high-quality development that embraces sustainable design, enhances the setting of the area and builds on the existing character of Christchurch, while supporting the Council’s strategic proposals for additional growth on brownfield land, reducing pressure on green belt development.
Images of the existing site