Akkeron Group updates on progress on two major Barnstaple regeneration projects

Seven Brethren

Akkeron Group, in partnership with North Devon Council and social housing provider, LiveWest, is proud to announce the commencement of a major residential development at Seven Brethren, Barnstaple. The development will provide 180 new homes to the area, 125 family homes and 55 apartments. Of these homes, 30% will be affordable, with the 36 affordable family homes being delivered by Akkeron Group working with LiveWest.

This new development follows the successful demolition of the old North Devon Leisure Centre and the completion of a new 328 space long-stay car park nearby. These packages of works were enabled by a contribution from the Brownfield Land Release Fund, a cross-government initiative delivered in partnership by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Cabinet Office. Following a sustainability first approach, crushed concrete from the demolished leisure centre was reused to form part of the car park’s working platform and the trees removed to facilitate development were chipped and used for habitat enhancement. Thus, reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.

The residential development will begin with a significant infrastructure package, including flood defences, land raising, roads and drainage. This phase will be delivered by Wedgewood Groundworks, a local groundworks specialist. The flood defences will benefit not only the new homes, but existing homes and businesses in the area. The S106 contributions from the project will enhance local infrastructure, including £500,000 to improving pedestrian and cycle connection across the River Taw in Barnstaple and a contribution to local GP Surgeries. Following the infrastructure works, the project will proceed with 125 2, 3, and 4-bedroom townhouses split into three phases, some with picturesque river views. The final phase will feature two contemporary apartment blocks.

Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, said: “We welcome the progress being made on this regeneration project, which will deliver new homes, including affordable housing, and bring real benefits for local people. By working with partners, we are helping to provide the homes our communities need while supporting the continued growth and improvement of Barnstaple.”

Paul Britton from the LGA said: “Our funding to help de-risk Seven Brethren has been a long-term commitment for us and has enabled the Council to work with Akkeron, as their development partner and support the continued regeneration of the town centre. Delivery of affordable homes by LiveWest will ensure the development helps meet the housing needs for the area.”

Anthony Eke, Head of New Business at LiveWest, said: “We’re excited to be providing much-needed affordable homes for people in Barnstaple.

“Working with our trusted partners, we are proud to be bringing forward homes of excellent quality that will support the local community.

“Through grant funding provided through Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme, we are able to make a substantial investment in this scheme to deliver 36 affordable homes.”

The Laceworks

In addition to the Seven Brethren regeneration scheme, Akkeron Group is also well-advanced in delivering new homes at the much-loved Laceworks site in Barnstaple.

The Laceworks development is breathing new life into this historic site, providing 65 new homes, including 29 affordable homes (45% of the total). All the affordable homes have now been completed and handed over to Akkeron Group’s partner, LiveWest, and the delivery of the open-market homes (34 within the converted Grade II-listed factory buildings, and 2 newly built) continues apace. These open market homes are due for completion between October 2025 and February 2026. Marketing for the new homes is being undertaken by EweMove North Devon.

The converted factory residences - a mixture of town houses and apartments - offer unique architectural features including vaulted ceilings, large windows and exposed historic details. They also benefit from courtyard parking and landscaped communal areas, creating elegant, light-filled living spaces that blend heritage with modern comfort.

Tony Hopwood, Akkeron Group Development Director, said: “Together, the Seven Brethren and Laceworks developments represent a major investment in the future of Barnstaple, addressing housing demand, while enhancing the character and sustainability of the town.

“We are passionate about breathing new life into brownfield sites across the South West of England, prioritising sustainable regeneration over greenfield development. By revitalising underused land, we help protect the region’s natural beauty while supporting responsible growth and stronger communities. We would like to thank our partners at Homes England, LiveWest, the Cabinet Office and North Devon Council for all their support in making this happen.”

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