Nearly 800 ares of land is allocated for residential development by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

In addition to the new homes, the masterplan envisages local businesses, retail and community facilities, two new primary schools, land for a secondary school as well as a 250-acre new country park.

The appointment follows the Government pledging this month £10m for infrastructure covering main site entrance junctions onto the A339 and B3400, as part of larger package of enabling infrastructure work by 2020/1.

The expectation is that Urban&Civic, with Wellcome, will commit to drawdown the land, in partnership with the councils, conditional upon outline planning being obtained.

Cabinet member for Manydown at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr John Izett said:”Urban&Civic’s record of working with and listening to local communities and bringing forward early delivery of infrastructure and amenities is especially commendable.

“We look forward to building a strong and productive relationship with our new partner. The two councils will remain actively involved, working with Urban&Civic and the Wellcome Trust in years to come.”

Chief Executive of Urban&Civic, Nigel Hugill, said: “Our selection against really tough competition demonstrates the increasing scalability of the master developer approach in meeting housing numbers on strategic projects across South East England. Wellcome is a wonderful addition to our list of allies.”