Yesterday, December 5, marked the much-anticipated opening of the King Alfred Way, a route previously known as the Wantage Eastern Link Road (WELR). This significant infrastructure project, spanning a duration of three years, was brought to life by Oxfordshire County Council and property developer, St Modwen.
Connecting the Town
The King Alfred Way cleverly links the A417 located to the east of the town with the A338 situated to the north. One of its key features is a shared-use path that extends the length of the road, serving both walkers and cyclists.
Judy Roberts, the county council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, praised the new development. She commented, “Wantage, an historic market town, has witnessed, and will persist in witnessing, the growth of urgently needed new homes and reciprocal community facilities. The need for this scheme was set long before planning approval was achieved, so its completion is particularly gratifying.”
Financing the Road
Funding for the relief road was declared by the Vale of White Horse District Council back in November 2019, with the project expected to have totalled around £15million by now.
Substantial contributions were made from different sources. These include £1.951million from the county council’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, funds from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth deal, and financial input from the developers.
The road’s official launch was attended and celebrated by Olly Glover, MP for Wantage and Didcot as well as the Deputy Mayor of Wantage, Iain Cameron. In a speech, Mr Glover remarked, “Residents in Wantage and beyond have been eagerly waiting for this road to open for a while, particularly after some delays. It’s pleasing to see it finally open and I hope it will prove beneficial to all road users in the upcoming months and years.”
Historic Reference
The new name of the road serves as an homage to King Alfred the Great, who was born in Wantage in 849. The King is also the muse behind the naming of the Kingsgrove community, with a nod to the Saxon king’s apple orchards, which once blanketed the area.
Future Development
Among other developments, the vicinity includes Crab Hill at Kingsgrove, a project involving the construction of 1,500 homes approved in 2015 and is currently under construction. These plans also involve setting up a new primary school, a neighbourhood centre, sports pitches, workspace and community facilities fashioned around a central park.
Thomas Snell, a development manager at St. Modwen, expressed his pride at their central role in this project. He asserts, “This road not only bolsters local infrastructure but also supports our burgeoning Kingsgrove community. By enhancing connectivity and prioritising sustainable travel means, we uphold our dedication to enriching future-ready places where people can live, work and relish their surroundings.”
Stay Connected with Local Events and Businesses
As Wantage continues to grow and develop, local businesses and residents can benefit by staying connected. You can explore or list your business for free in our business directory. If you’re planning or hosting an event, add it to our event directory to bolster community participation.
For those interested in housing developments, schools, and other community facilities around Kingsgrove and Wantage, keep an eye on the latest updates and opportunities to get involved in local growth. Whether you’re a new resident or a visitor, Wantage offers a rich history and a vibrant future to enjoy.
