The whole development has outline permission for up to 875 homes, a local centre, a restaurant, and open public space. Credit: via Tangerine Comms

Development partner sought for final Cottingwood phases

4 December 2025 06:58 Sally Gibson Comments (0)

Avison Young is once again helping Homes England to find a developer to bring forward housing on the former St George’s site in Morpeth, this time for 500 homes.

Located in Northumberland, Cottingwood is on the northern edge of Morpeth and measures 118 acres, of which around 100 acres has been split into development phases.

Phase one, a 260-home scheme, is currently being delivered by Barratt David Wilson with construction starting in April earlier this year.

In October, Homes England brought phase two of the scheme to market, seeking a low-medium volume housebuilder for 51 homes.

Phases three and four are now being brought to market, which represent the largest element of the overall Cottingwood scheme, with Homes England seeking an established developer to deliver a high-quality scheme.

Infrastructure works have already been completed on the site.

As well as the residential element, the masterplan should include public open space to complement phases one and two, and a neighbourhood commercial centre.

Interested parties can apply via Homes England’s dynamic purchaser system framework by 15 December.

Mark McKelvey, director at Avison Young, said: “Representing the largest development potential on the site, these phases provide capacity for a 500-unit residential scheme in a high demand, well-connected area of Northumberland.

“This is a rare opportunity to deliver high-quality homes at scale in a location with proven demand. Given the strong level of interest in the initial phases, we encourage interested developers to contact us for further information.”

Richard Wildsmith, senior development manager at Homes England, added: “Bringing the final phases of Cottingwood to market marks an important step in unlocking much-needed new homes for Morpeth.

“We have worked hard to prepare the site for development and ensure it is ready for a partner who can deliver on the quality and ambition this location deserves.

“Our aim is to create a sustainable, well-connected neighbourhood that integrates seamlessly with the earlier phases, and we look forward to working with a developer who shares our ambition for creating sustainable, well-designed communities.”