Feering Public Realm, Feering for The Crown Estate with JTP, WSP and Hoare Lee

Feering Public Realm, Feering for The Crown Estate with JTP, WSP and Hoare Lee

Feering is an historic village in Essex, characterised by its rural charm, strong community ties, and proximity to key transport links including the A12 and Kelvedon railway station. The village is experiencing growth, with new housing developments planned to support local demand. The future public realm proposal sits at the heart of this evolving neighbourhood, aiming to create a vibrant, inclusive space that connects new and existing communities.

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Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

Feering is an historic village in Essex, characterised by its rural charm, strong community ties, and proximity to key transport links including the A12 and Kelvedon railway station. The village is experiencing growth, with new housing developments planned to support local demand. The future public realm proposal sits at the heart of this evolving neighbourhood, aiming to create a vibrant, inclusive space that connects new and existing communities. The area currently lacks a central gathering point, as well as a local high street and this project seeks to address that by introducing multifunctional public spaces that reflect the village’s heritage while supporting its future and enhancing the economic development of Feering. The community is active and engaged, with the Parish Council and local community groups playing a key role in shaping development priorities. The project responds to local aspirations for improved walkability, safer streets, and more opportunities for social interaction and outdoor activity.
 

Please describe your approach to this future public realm, including its purpose and motivation. How does it knit into, and serve the needs of, the wider area? 

The design approach centres on creating a welcoming, flexible public space that enhances connectivity and encourages community interaction. Inspired by Feering’s village character, the proposal includes a landscaped square with seating, play features, and planting that supports biodiversity. Traffic calming measures and improved pedestrian and green routes will link the space to nearby homes, schools, and amenities, making it a natural hub for daily life. 

The project is motivated by the need to support both new and existing residents, offering a place to dwell, meet, and engage in local events. It also serves as a green corridor, connecting fragmented open spaces and improving access to nature. By integrating with the wider development masterplan, the public realm will help shape a cohesive and resilient neighbourhood, supporting long-term placemaking goals.

Please explain the governance of the project, describing its viability and any consultation and community engagement undertaken. 

The project is being delivered through a partnership between TCE, the local authority, Feering Parish Council, a regular community panel and various community groups ensuring alignment with strategic planning and community priorities. A phased delivery model has been developed to ensure financial viability, with funding secured through a combination of developer contributions, grants, and local investment. Extensive community engagement has shaped the design, including a regular community panel, community workshops in design, surveys, and public exhibitions. 
 
Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping key aspects of the design from the thoughtful placement of seating and planting to the careful location of green open spaces. These decisions have been guided not only by general safety considerations, but with a deep sensitivity to the needs of girls and women, children and young people, and a commitment to ensuring accessibility for all. 
 
The governance structure includes a steering group with representation from local stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process. Long-term management and maintenance will be overseen by a community trust or local authority, with opportunities for volunteer involvement and stewardship. The project is currently in pre-construction phase, with planning approvals in progress and strong momentum toward delivery.