Victoria Square
Braintree, UK
project overview
A landmark regeneration bringing homes, health and connectivity to Braintree
Victoria Square is a major mixed-use, town centre regeneration project that brings new life to the centre of Braintree. Designed around the wellbeing of the community, it introduces new homes, local services and accessible public spaces that encourage people to live, work and spend time in the town.
The scheme embodies the growing movement for health on the high street, placing vital healthcare and wellbeing facilities at the heart of the community to promote healthier, more connected town centre living.
With a strong focus on people and place, the scheme brings together a new health and wellbeing centre, 35 homes and a 70-bed hotel with improved public realm and a modern bus interchange.
Together, these facilities create a vibrant civic destination that supports integrated healthcare, local businesses and a thriving, inclusive town centre. We worked closely with Braintree District Council, Historic England, the NHS and the local community to ensure the project complemented local character and aspirations.
healthcare
Bringing health and wellbeing to the high street
Central to the project is the new Livewell Hub, the first of its kind for Mid Essex CCG, providing a local, accessible destination for health and wellbeing on the high street. The facility brings together a range of integrated health services, including GP, pharmacy and preventative care, all within walking distance for residents.
Embedding healthcare into the town, the development creates a more holistic model of community wellbeing, encouraging early intervention, supporting healthier lifestyles and strengthening social connections. Designed to serve up to 20,000 people, the Livewell Hub offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for patients, staff and visitors alike.
Together, the scheme demonstrate how embedding healthcare within town centres can create adaptable, resilient places that support wellbeing across generations and enable communities to thrive long into the future.
design concept
Connecting people and place
sustainability
Shaping a sustainable, resilient future
Sustainability was a key driver throughout the design. The project exceeds local policy targets, achieving a 22.5% contribution from low and zero carbon renewable technologies across the site. The Livewell Hub achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating at design stage, demonstrating our commitment to long-term environmental and operational performance.
Energy-efficient design measures, including air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, reduce operational carbon and support the transition to cleaner, low-carbon energy use. Across the wider site, sustainable urban drainage is achieved through blue and green roofs and underground attenuation, managing rainwater naturally and supporting local biodiversity
key information
Project summary
Location
Braintree, CM7 3HL
Client
Braintree District Council
Value
£27m
Environmental
BREEAM Very Good
Size
3,000 m2
Includes
35 homes
70-bed hotel
Retail space
GP surgery
104 space car park
Awards
Housing Design Awards 2023
Shortlisted - Completed
Team
Meet the team behind the project
Contact
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