Weston Homes, the multi-award-winning developer, has acquired a historically significant former Military Headquarters in Aldershot, Hampshire, with plans to transform the Grade II-listed Victorian building into a premium residential scheme. The €14.5m (GDV) development will deliver 34 converted apartments and cottages within the 19th-century structure, representing a growing trend of developers seeking heritage assets that command premium pricing despite challenging market conditions.
The acquisition taps into the surging buyer preference for character properties with historical significance, a segment that has shown remarkable resilience even during economic downturns. With the UK facing a critical housing supply shortage, particularly in the South East, adaptive reuse projects like The Head Quarters are attracting significant interest from both domestic and international investors seeking diversification within residential portfolios.
Dating back to 1895, the red brick building bears exceptional architectural elements including a grand central entrance portico with Portland stone columns, a Royal crest, and an impressive entrance hall featuring a central iron staircase and mosaic flooring bearing the coat of arms of the Command centre. Throughout its storied history, the building played a crucial role during WWII when Aldershot Garrison was positioned to defend London under the top-secret 'Plan Julius Caesar' if Germany's Operation Sealion invasion had materialised.
"The acquisition of the Military Headquarters in Aldershot will enable Weston Homes to deliver a new collection of converted homes and help preserve this historic site's legacy. The parts of the garrison which have been given up for civilian use are undergoing extensive renovation to reinvigorate these military buildings for a new community and we are proud to be delivering another element of the estate's wider regeneration," says Bob Weston, Chairman of Weston Homes.
The development benefits from exceptional connectivity and market fundamentals, sitting within the 255,000 m² Wellesley estate redevelopment led by Grainger plc, with nearby Gun Hill Park development (formerly Cambridge Military Hospital) already 95% sold. Industry analysts note that conversion projects that maintain distinctive heritage features while incorporating modern amenities are commanding premiums of 15-20% above comparable new builds, presenting a compelling investment case in a market increasingly focused on unique selling propositions.
"We are delighted to have acquired the former Military Headquarters in Aldershot, which is located close to our conversion of the Cambridge Military Hospital into Gun Hill Park. We have seen strong demand with buyers enjoying the estate's heritage and we look forward to bringing this new scheme to life in due course," adds Suzanne Aplin, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Weston Homes.
People mentioned:
- Bob Weston, Chairman, Weston Homes
- Suzanne Aplin, Group Sales and Marketing Director, Weston Homes
- Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, former General Officer Commanding Aldershot
- Thomas Jerome, District Surveyor during original construction
Companies mentioned:
- Weston Homes - Developer acquiring and converting the property
- Grainger plc - Lead developer of the wider Wellesley estate
- Martin Wells & Co - Original builders of the headquarters in the 1890s
Image credit: Weston Homes
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