Welcome
Royal London is consulting on redevelopment which will deliver much needed new homes in Wilmslow.
We are bringing forward proposals to sensitively reimagine Royal London House at the Royal London Wilmslow campus. The scheme will provide new homes on this brownfield site, featuring amenities, enhanced site permeability, and improved access to open space. This marks the start of a public consultation, where we are seeking your views and ideas to help inform the next phase of the design process.
The consultation period will run from Monday 1st September until Sunday 14th September. During this time, we are inviting feedback from residents, local businesses, community groups and stakeholders.
Please take time to explore the information on this website. You can also get in touch with us directly using the contact details provided. Once you’ve reviewed the material, we encourage you to complete the online feedback form to share your thoughts.
For more information, please contact us by:
- Calling our dedicated community information telephone line: 0161 711 0293 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm)
- Emailing us on contact@royallondonhouseconsultation.co.uk
Join Us
We are holding a public drop-in event where attendees can meet the project team face-to-face, ask questions and provide feedback on the masterplan by taking a physical feedback form.
You are invited to join us at Bowdon Rugby Club, Clay Lane, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7AF to learn more about the proposals on Wednesday 4th September & Tuesday 17th September. Both events will take place between 15:30 – 20:00.
As part of the consultation, we will be hosting two online sessions where the project team will talk through the plans and answer any questions attendees might have.
There will be two sessions and the dates will be confirmed soon. Please use the form below to register for updates.
Webinar:
We are holding a webinar on Wednesday 10th September from 6pm to 7pm. The project team will present the plans and answer any questions you have.
Site Location
The site is located off Alderley Road, to the south of Wilmslow town centre. It sits within the wider Royal London campus and is within walking distance of public transport links, shops, schools, and the wider town centre.
Royal London House itself is a legacy office building that is no longer in active use. It occupies a brownfield site, meaning it has previously been developed. Redevelopment of such sites is strongly supported in national and local planning policy, as it helps to direct growth to appropriate locations and reduce pressure on the countryside and Green Belt.
The site is currently bounded by a mix of residential properties, mature woodland, and open spaces. Key buildings within the campus, such as Fulshaw Hall and Alderley House, are part of the wider Royal London estate and will remain in use.
Our Vision
The redevelopment of Royal London House is a unique opportunity to create a distinctive, sustainable and inclusive new neighbourhood for Wilmslow.
The proposals aim to transform this under-utilised site into a thriving residential-led development that prioritises quality of life, connectivity, and access to nature. At its core is a landscape-led design approach that seeks to make the most of the site’s natural assets, including mature trees, green corridors and lakefront setting, while introducing new homes and community amenities.
The vision is shaped by four key principles:
A memorable first impression:
A strong sense of arrival will be created through carefully designed public spaces, natural views, and a welcoming reception at the heart of the scheme.
Healthy, inclusive living:
Homes will be light-filled, energy-efficient and designed to promote wellbeing and comfort for a broad range of people.
Nature-focused placemaking:
The masterplan will retain and enhance existing green spaces and introduce new biodiverse planting, gardens and walking routes.
Community at its heart:
Shared spaces, including a lakeside café, gym and co-working areas, will encourage social connection and foster a sense of belonging.
This consultation forms part of Royal London’s wider strategy to refresh and reimagine its presence in Wilmslow and continue it’s custodianship of the campus. While these plans focus on the Royal London House site, they form part of a wider reconsideration of the Royal London campus, including how to make the most use of Fulshall Hall, whilst protecting its heritage.
We are committed to an ongoing dialogue with the local community throughout the evolution of these proposals and will continue to keep you updated.
Why Here?
There are several compelling reasons why this site is suitable for redevelopment:
Previously Developed Land
This is a brownfield site. Redeveloping Royal London House offers an opportunity to breathe new life into underutilised land. This approach aligns with both local and national planning policy, which encourages regeneration on previously developed land.
Helping to Meet Local Housing Needs
Cheshire East continues to experience significant housing demand. The scheme will provide a range of new homes, including one, two and three-bedroom apartments, helping to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, downsizers and others seeking to stay in or move to Wilmslow. Currently, too many people have to move out of the area for housing and this development will help meet local need.
An Opportunity for Lasting Positive Change
Royal London has deep roots in Wilmslow and is committed to delivering high-quality, long-term investment in the town. This redevelopment forms part of a wider plan to enhance the Royal London campus and deliver lasting benefits for the local community.
A Sustainable, Well-Connected Location
The site is highly accessible, located within walking distance of Wilmslow railway station, bus services and local amenities. New pedestrian and cycle routes will make it easier for residents to travel sustainably and access the wider town.
The Proposals
The emerging masterplan for Royal London House proposes a residential-led development of 286 new Built-to-Rent homes, supported by a mix of high-quality landscaping, new public spaces and residents’ amenities. The entire scheme will be professionally managed by Royal London Asset Management for the long-term.
The proposals include:
- A carefully designed mix of homes, including studio, 1-bed, 2-bed, 3-bed
- New shared green spaces, including:
- The Western Garden – an active community green with play areas and seating
- The Eastern Garden – a quieter, woodland-inspired space for reflection
- The Central Court – a flexible courtyard for events and informal socialising
- A new café overlooking the lake, with views towards Fulshaw Hall
- A well-equipped gym and flexible co-working space for residents
- Enhanced pedestrian and cycle connections through the site and into the surrounding area, including cycle store facilities
- A modern multi-storey car park, discreetly positioned and screened by mature planting, providing accessible and secure parking facilities, including electric vehicle charging
- A central reception and concierge service for residents, offering security, support, and parcel handling
The design will deliver a vibrant and inclusive new neighbourhood, rooted in Wilmslow’s character and connected to its community.
Considerations
Landscape and Ecology
The landscape-led approach seeks to preserve and enhance the existing green infrastructure. The site’s mature trees, level changes and lakeside setting form the foundation of the proposals. Green space shapes the layout, with buildings carefully arranged to preserve views, maximise sunlight and connect people to nature.
Three Distinct Gardens
The proposals introduce three carefully considered garden spaces:
Western Garden
A vibrant space with lawns, seating, natural play, and areas for social activity near the site entrance.
Central Court
A flexible courtyard with terraced seating, seasonal planting and sculptural features for relaxation and informal gatherings.
Eastern Garden
A tranquil, woodland-inspired area with shaded paths, native planting and opportunities for quiet reflection.
These gardens offer a variety of experiences for residents and visitors, from play and community events to rest and contemplation.
Supporting Nature and Biodiversity
The scheme enhances the site’s ecological value through native tree planting, pollinator-friendly borders, wildflower areas and habitat corridors. Existing mature trees are retained where possible, and new features such as bird boxes and wildlife shelters will support local biodiversity. Planting is designed to thrive year-round, while creating colour, interest and natural habitat throughout the seasons.
Sustainable and Resilient Design
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), including swales, rain gardens and permeable surfaces, will be integrated into the landscape to manage water naturally. These features support climate resilience and add character to the green spaces. Step-free paths, varied seating and nature-focused design ensure the landscape promotes health, wellbeing and accessibility for all.
Transport and Highways
Access and Connectivity
Access to the site will be taken from Alderley Road, providing a convenient and well-established route into the development. The site’s central location offers excellent connectivity to local amenities and services, with Wilmslow railway station is in walking distance and bus stops located nearby on Alderley Road, offering frequent services to the town centre and surrounding areas.
Encouraging Active Travel
The proposals are designed to encourage walking and cycling as the preferred way to move through and around the site. New pedestrian and cycle routes will connect seamlessly with existing networks and local roads, improving access to schools, green spaces and public transport. Secure and conveniently located cycle parking will be provided for all homes and shared amenities.
Supporting Public Transport
The site is well placed to take advantage of existing public transport infrastructure. Wilmslow station provides direct rail services to Manchester, Stockport, Crewe and beyond, making it ideal for commuters. Local bus services on Alderley Road offer reliable links to key destinations, reducing the need for car use and supporting more sustainable patterns of movement.
The proposed multi-storey car park will:
- Be located to the rear of the site in the location of the existing decked car park, minimising its visual impact
- Have screening from mature trees and new landscaping
- Provide accessible parking for all residents
- Include lift access, step-free routes and secure cycle storage
- Feature EV charging points throughout
Virtual Exhibition
Masterplan shown in Virtual Exhibition
Public Exhibition
We are holding a public drop-in event where attendees can meet the project team face-to-face, ask questions and provide feedback on the masterplan by taking a physical feedback form.
The drop in event will be held later this year, before the consultation closes, and details will be shared on this website. If you would like to be notified when and where the public exhibition will be held, please complete the form on this website and tick that you would like to be kept informed.
Feedback
We are keen to understand your views on the proposed redevelopment of Royal London House.
Please let us know what you think by completing the online feedback form, which you can access below. The consultation is open until Sunday 14th September.
All responses will be reviewed and used to inform the next stage of the design. A summary of the feedback and how it has influenced the proposals will be set out in a Statement of Community Involvement, which will accompany the planning application to Cheshire East Council.
In addition to this website, we will also be holding an online webinar where you can hear from the project team and ask questions.
We hope you will get involved.
Questionnaire
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, please get in touch.
- Phone: Calling our dedicated community information telephone line: 0161 711 0293 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm)
- Email: Emailing us on contact@royallondonhouseconsultation.co.uk
- Post: FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW
Your details are requested to support your comments. Please note that any feedback provided will be used to inform the development of our proposals and a summary of all responses will be collated into a Statement of Community Involvement to support the submission of masterplan to the Council. The information provided will only be used for this consultation exercise. The data will be held securely in accordance with data protection guidelines by Lexington on behalf of Royal London UK Real Estate Fund.
About Royal London
Royal London was founded in 1861, and is the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and insurance company. Royal London Asset Management forms part of Royal London Group and manages £173bn of assets (as at Q4 2024) including £8.9bn in UK property assets (figures as at Q1 2025).
Everything we do is guided by our purpose: “Protecting today, investing in tomorrow. Together we are mutually responsible.” This underpins our approach of taking a long-term view to meet the needs of today and future generations.