Former Stewartby brickworks sold to developer

A site where the largest brick factory in the world once stood has been sold.

The former Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick brickworks in Bedfordshire has planning permission for 1,000 new homes, a school and community facilities.

The approximately 50-hectare site, about six miles from Bedford town centre, has been bought by property developer Harworth from Heidelberg Materials, previously known as Hanson UK.

“The sale of the Stewartby site is an important milestone in the regeneration of this historic industrial area,” said Nick Madden of property agents Knight Frank.

“With its excellent transport links, including close proximity to the A421 and the Marston Vale railway line – which will benefit from the East-West Rail project – this development will create a thriving new community.

“The mix of housing, employment land and community facilities will breathe new life into Stewartby while retaining elements of its important industrial heritage.”

Knight Frank said the development would include a primary school and nursery school, a heritage center and “various community facilities”.

It said around a quarter of the site would be dedicated to public open space, amenities and habitats.

The agent said the site had a gross development value of £400 million.

• Brick production in the area began when John Cathles Hill, a housebuilder, purchased several small local companies, which became the London Brick Company (LBC) in 1900.
• In 1926 the LBC began building a garden village for its employees at Wootton Pillinge
• The Wootton Pillinge LBC village was renamed Stewartby in 1936 after the Stewart family, directors of the LBC
• In the same year, Stewartby was recognized as the largest brick factory in the world, employing 2,000 people and producing 500 million bricks per year
• Four of the original chimneys remained on the site, up to 70 meters high, until September 26, 2021