New Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Visits Linmere for his First Public Engagement
The new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, chose our thriving Linmere project for his first public engagement since taking office. This landmark occasion underscores the government’s focus on sustainable placemaking, strategic infrastructure, and the urgent need to accelerate homebuilding across the nation.
Our Linmere development, situated on the edge of Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire, represents one of the region’s most ambitious and transformative projects and is designed as more than just a collection of homes, it is envisioned as a blueprint for a vibrant, walkable, and sustainable community where people can flourish.
The masterplan for Linmere encompasses our placemaking approach – curating a place with thriving public spaces that are inclusive for all, protecting and enhancing nature and providing those that arrive, a healthy and sustainable way of life. We are facilitating engaged and proud communities to form and supporting them with our commitment to long-term stewardship. With new homes, schools, shops, and extensive community facilities, Linmere is rapidly taking shape as a neighbourhood where families, professionals, and older generations can enjoy a great quality of life.
For his inaugural public outing in his new role, Secretary of State Steve Reed was welcomed by representatives from the major house builders involved at present at Linmere – Barratt Redrow, Stonebond and Bellway Homes. The visit began with a tour of the established amenities on Linmere Phase One, The Farmstead, offering the Minister a comprehensive view of the project’s early successes and firsthand experience of how the guiding principles behind its design are delivered on the ground.
James Stone, Managing Director of Land Improvement, led in presenting the Linmere masterplan to Minister Reed and highlighting the project’s commitment to progressive, resident-focused planning. The Minister’s engagement with the leadership teams provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss how innovative master planning can not only support but also help deliver on the government’s ambitions to significantly increase the housing supply, while ensuring the highest standards for new communities and the infrastructure that supports them.
As part of his tour, Minister Reed was taken to the construction of new homes on Barratt’s parcel within Linmere Phase 3a. This area represents the forefront of Linmere’s ongoing expansion, and the visit offered the Secretary of State a firsthand look at the rapid progress being made.
During the site walkthrough, Minister Reed met with members of Barratt’s construction team, engaging about the challenges and opportunities presented by such large-scale community development. The tour also included a media component, with Minister Reed hosting an interview with Alex Forsyth of BBC News, sharing his insights and ambitions with a wider national audience.
Throughout his visit, Minister Reed expressed enthusiasm when speaking about the importance of projects like Linmere in the national effort to address the housing crisis. He highlighted the urgency of accelerating the construction of high-quality homes across the country and emphasised that the work underway at Linmere is a prime example of what is possible when a master developer, homebuilders, and local government collaborate and commit to a long-term enduring plan.
He remarked “I was thrilled to see first-hand the work already under way at Linmere, which is just one example where housebuilders are getting on with the job to build thousands of new homes. I want to see this happening in every town, city, and region across the country. We need to act fast and show quick results which is exactly why I am accelerating our plans to unleash the biggest era for building in our history, working in partnership with housebuilders of all sizes to build 1.5 million homes.”
James Stone echoed the importance of the occasion, stating, “It’s fantastic to host Minister Reed on his first public engagement in his new role. It’s enabled us to showcase Linmere as an example of progressive master planning, in creating places to live, not just homes to live in. Being his first excursion in the new role, we hope Linmere offers a benchmark for Minister Reed, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as they chart their progress in meeting the government’s manifesto targets for new homes by 2029.”
James’s words encapsulate Linmere’s ambition: to be more than a housing estate, but rather a collection of interwoven neighbourhoods that prioritise green space, community interaction, and lifelong wellbeing.
The Linmere development is uniquely situated north of Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, nestled close to M1 Junction 11a. The project began with its first homes completed and inhabited in 2021, marking the start of a new era for local residents. With a strong emphasis on leafy, walkable neighbourhoods, Linmere offers a living environment that embraces nature and fosters a sense of belonging for all generations.
One of the defining features of Linmere is its commitment to preserving and maintaining green spaces. The Land Trust will manage these spaces on behalf of the Houghton Regis Management Company, ensuring that the natural environment remains accessible, well-cared for, and central to community life.
Linmere’s approach aligns closely with national priorities to not only increase housing numbers but also to create environments that are healthy, well-connected, and resilient. The emphasis on sustainability extends to every facet of the development—from the design of homes and public spaces to the integration of schools, shops, and essential community facilities that cater to evolving needs.
