Linmere Gains ‘Excellent’ Modeshift Accreditation

Linmere is a large mixed-use housing development in Central Bedfordshire located towards the north of Houghton Regis. Linmere will provide 5,100 residential units, two million square feet of commercial and employment accommodation, three new schools, and around 80 hectares of open space.

Linmere is being delivered by the Linmere Consortium, led by Lands Improvement. As the master developer for the site, they are delivering the site’s essential infrastructure, overseeing the entire development process, and committed to creating an enjoyable environment that stands the test of time.

The aim of the Linmere Travel Plan is to create a sustainable, community-motivated environment for residents that promotes a range of lifestyle and travel choices and reduces reliance on the private car.

Travel Plan Objectives:

• Objective 1: To reduce the level of vehicle ownership among residents.
• Objective 2: To reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle trips to and from the site.
• Objective 3: To increase awareness of and encourage the use of available sustainable modes of transport.
• Objective 4: To increase the use of sustainable modes.

Since the establishment of the Travel Plan in 2021, annual travel surveys have been undertaken. These surveys help us measure the effectiveness of the sustainable transport initiatives that are currently in place. Since the 2021 baseline survey bus use has increased from 22.7% to 43.3% and single occupancy vehicle trips are only 36.7%. We have also implemented several active travel initiatives, because of this 18.5% of residents now cycle more regularly and 53.3% will walk every day.

Walking at Linmere

For Linmere residents we have ensured walking is a realistic and easy option with many interesting and meaning destinations around the development. There are comprehensive wayfinding solutions to guide people. We’ve partnered with Street Tag to provide a fun, free app that rewards people for walking and getting outside to be active. This coupled with some of our new self-guided walking trails, designed with children in mind, ensures it’s easy to get out and about.

Pedal Power at Linmere

Central to the travel plan is the ability for residents use pedal power and bike directly from their home to key destinations in the development and beyond and feel safe doing so. A strategic cycle route runs through the site, currently linking The Farmstead to the school. At The Farmstead and pocket park we’ve installed cycle parking and partnered with the App-Bike cycle hire scheme, enabling those without bikes to take advantage of this option. There’s even a pump track on Linmere Park for everyone to enjoy. The track has been designed for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

To promote cycling across the community Linmere partnered with Cycle4Life and Central Bedfordshire Council, to hold a Cycle Festival in the Springtime. This is being furthered with free cycle training courses for adults and children throughout the summer holidays.

EV at Linmere

The Linmere car club provides easy access to vehicles for short term hire. Hiya Car, who operate it scheme on our behalf, have provided two EV cars which are quick and easy use and available from The Farmstead. These cars provide a low-cost alternative to owning a car, but still enable residents access to motoring when they require it.

Max Oram, Travel Plan Coordinator, emphasised the importance of these plans: ‘Travel Plans are essential for establishing sustainable transport choices from the very start of any new development. Working closely with Lands Improvement Holdings (Linmere) we’ve been able to deliver a wide range of sustainable travel options for residents.’

Ben Phillips, Development Director, comments:

‘We recognise the important of ensuring there are sustainable travel options for residents within the Linmere Development. Our active travel plan enables residents to make sustainable choices now and for the future. Working to put these services in at the start of the development helps with early adoption and reduces the overall impact of the development for the future too. However this is just the start, and we will continue to work to ensure that residents are able to have a choice of sustainable transport options that meet their day-to-day needs.’