Development of 208 homes for Optivo by Thakeham.
Construction work is now underway(July 2023) to build 208 homes for Optivo social housing provider by Thakeham. Since the commencement of work, it is now Southern Housing. Foreman homes were responsible for earlier proposals. The development will include the restoration of the Grade ll* listed statue of Anne that was rescued from London in the 19th century and moved to Holmhurst St Mary but had suffered decay and vandalism over the years and was considered to be at risk.
The drawing below shows the Holmhurst St Mary site, where top right, to the northeast of the site the restored statue is located near to an area described as historic parkland that is close to The Ridge and the entrance to St Anne's Hospital. Work should now be underway to restore the statue. In February 2024 the statue is surrounded by a wooden fence, but there are few signs that any restoration activity is occurring. The development also includes the Nun's Graveyard which is located in woodland shown at the centre of the drawing. Before the current development, the small area of graves was hidden in woodland and the development will not interfere with the site of the graves.
In February 2024 it is now apparent that the development is to be known as Holmhurst Gardens - Baldslow where Southern Housing will be offering 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes that will be available with shared ownership. The photograph below was taken in March 2024
Also in the Thakeham development, shown on the drawing below to the southeast of the site to the rear of the Conquest hospital lake an area will be landscaped to include areas of water.