Building
Creating a permanent, welcoming community building for Houghton Regis has been part of HRCDC’s vision from the very beginning. We believe that strong communities need shared spaces — places where people can meet, access support, build relationships, and shape the future of their neighbourhood together. Our vision is rooted in the idea of Heart, Hub and Home: a heart at the centre of the community where people feel they belong, a hub of resources, support and activity that responds to local needs, and a home that contributes to stability through the provision of affordable social rent.
This building is more than bricks and mortar. It is about belonging, opportunity and shared ownership, creating a place that holds the life of the community and supports it to grow. As the project moves forward, we remain committed to working openly with the community, ensuring the building reflects local priorities and remains a place where everyone feels welcome.
This ambitious project is being delivered through a strong and experienced team who share our commitment to quality, sustainability and community impact. We are working with Rock Townsend as our architects, supported by LivShare as lead consultants and Potter Raper as our quantity surveyors. The modular elements of the building are being provided by Lion Containers, and legal support is being delivered by Osborne Clarke. Together, this team is helping to turn a long-held community vision into a practical, deliverable and lasting asset for Houghton Regis.
We are proud of how far the journey has come — and excited about what lies ahead.
The Journey So Far
Over recent years, we have worked closely with residents, partners, funders and local stakeholders to listen, plan and advocate for a building that genuinely serves the community. Through consultation events, pop-up activities and temporary spaces, we have tested ideas, learned what people value most, and demonstrated the demand for a flexible, inclusive community hub.
This journey has already seen significant progress. We have secured land, developed strong partnerships, and attracted investment and in-kind support that has helped turn a long-held vision into a practical, deliverable plan. Along the way, we have continued to deliver community activity, proving that the need for shared space is real and growing.
In December 2025 we submitted our planning application for phase one.
A phased approach
To make the project achievable and sustainable, the building is being delivered in two phases.
Phase 1 – Modular Community Hub focuses on bringing an active, welcoming community space to the site as quickly as possible through a modular building created from refurbished shipping containers generously donated by Baytree Dunstable. Working in partnership with Peabody, this phase will also include a community garden, a cycling hub, and an outdoor event space, creating a vibrant, multi-use environment that invites people in. Together, these elements will allow activity to begin on site, offering an initial space for residents to gather, connect, and take part in community life, while laying strong foundations for future development.
Phase 2 – Future Growth will build on the success of Phase 1 through the development of a much larger, permanent building that brings together community, services and homes in one shared place. This phase will include dedicated community rooms, a welcoming reception area, and space for anchor tenants delivering public and community services, alongside residential provision offering affordable social rent. Together, these elements will create a sustainable, mixed-use building that can support a wide range of activities and partnerships, ensuring the space continues to grow and adapt alongside the community it serves.
