The Government has revealed the proposed locations for seven new towns across England as part of the most ambitious programme of housebuilding in more than half a century. Each new town is set to create at least 10,000 homes, with several expected to deliver 40,000 or more, forming well‑connected, future‑proofed communities with jobs, schools, green space and sustainable transport built in from the outset.
The towns, designed to reduce car dependency, champion vibrant high streets and foster pride in place, will be supported by new development corporations and expert advisers to drive forward delivery.
The proposed locations are:
- Tempsford, Bedfordshire
- Crews Hill & Chase Park, Enfield
- Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire
- Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester
- Thamesmead, Greenwich
- Brabazon & West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
The Government emphasises that these new communities will not repeat past mistakes. Instead, they will be walkable and cycle‑friendly, with reduced reliance on cars, whilst including shared green spaces, parks and nature. The new towns will also create vibrant local high streets and deliver affordable, balanced communities, with schools, health centres and community facilities planned from day one.
A cross‑government approach will ensure utilities, health, education and digital infrastructure underpin development from the outset.
Four interim advisers will support the New Towns Unit:
- Lyn Garner, former Chief Executive, London Legacy Development Corporation
- Ian Piper, former Chief Executive, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
- Emma Cariaga, Chief Operating Officer, British Land
- David Rudlin, founding principal of Rudlin & Co and lead author of the National Model Design Code
The Government says these experts will help replicate successes such as Stratford, where the Olympic Legacy project transformed regeneration across East London.
Some areas will also see new development corporations created to ensure robust delivery.
Alongside the new towns announcement, the Government confirmed the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April, backed by up to £16 billion in financial capacity.
The Bank aims to:
- support delivery of over 500,000 homes
- unlock £53bn in private investment
- offer loans and investments at lower interest rates to Mayors and developers
- provide greater financial stability for major housebuilding projects
The Bank will be chaired by Peter Vernon, with Simon Century as Chief Executive.
An additional £400m over the next decade will support subsidised products to further accelerate housing delivery.
Six further locations – Adlington, Heyford Park, Marlcombe (East Devon), Plymouth, South Barking and Wychavon Town – were assessed but will not be taken forward at this stage. However, they remain credible development opportunities and may receive targeted support through existing programmes, including a bespoke package for Plymouth to strengthen its role in the UK defence and naval technology sector.
Steve Reed, Housing Secretary, commented:
“People want real change – homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities.
“Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future.
“From the ground up, we’re planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together – so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve.”
The Government has also announced an additional £234 million for Mayoral Combined Authorities to unlock 8,000 new homes on derelict brownfield land across regions including:
- Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
- East Midlands
- Greater Lincolnshire
- Hull & East Yorkshire
- Tees Valley
- West of England
- York & North Yorkshire
Taken together, these measures represent one of the most significant housing interventions in decades. The Government says the programme will:
- help ease the housing crisis
- support first‑time buyers
- create thousands of jobs in construction and related sectors
- spark new economic growth corridors across the country
With the first wave of new towns moving into formal consultation, ministers say the vision is clear: a new generation of places built around community, sustainability and opportunity.
Image credit: iStock
