Galliard Homes response to my request to reconsider 'Henley Meadows' name

Dear Cllr Bartholomew,

The Joint Venture of Galliard Homes, Probitas and CJ O’Shea are proud of the work we undertake in engaging with the communities where we work. We are therefore sorry to hear that the marketing name of our development has caused concern amongst some the residents of Shiplake.

The reasoning behind the naming of the site is to support our marketing campaign. Traditionally when undertaking a campaign, we will incorporate the name of closest nationally/internationally recognised place. This simply draws attention to the development via traditional media channels and makes for wider domain authority online,  effectively meaning google will prioritise our scheme in its rankings. This is not intended to mislead anyone, but to cast a wider net to potential customers.

In reality, once the site is completed, it will be down to the post office to either adopt the name or instruct us to change it. 

As we stand, the name of the scheme helps us sell units and bring a greater number of retired people seeking a care solution to the locality – of which there is a national shortage - which must be good for Shiplake, an attractive location to live populated by people from all walks of life and professions. 

I would be happy for you to share the above at your next Parish Council meeting.

Best wishes

Jonathan 

Posted by: David Bartholomew | 05/04/2022 8:15 pm

At this week's Parish Council meeting representatives of the Retirement homes spoke during the Open Forum about their desire to have more dialgoue with the Parish Council and keep us informed of progress. As a consession to local opinion the developers made a promise not name the development 'Henley Meadows' and instead choose 'Shiplake Meadows'. You will have noticed their work at the site (beyond drainage along the Reading Road) has been stopped by SODC whilst some matters are resolved.

Posted by: Chris Penrose | 20/05/2022 2:21 pm

Perhaps we need to ask the Post Office to consider not approving the Henley Meadows address as it is going to be misleading with the Henley Mill Meadows area.

Posted by: Joanne Stone | 21/04/2022 3:12 pm

The last paragraph starting "As we stand" shows that they are totally unaware of the thoughts or reqirements of the residents of Shiplake. The faclities available to the residents are stretched at present especially those pertaining to Doctors.The increase of residents will make the situation worse. How can they say "which must be good for Shiplake" as it appears they have no idea of the problems which will arise?

Posted by: Brian Law | 06/04/2022 10:44 am

Mr. Bartholomew, How on earth do they think this 'residence' is going to contribute to Shiplake Village life? It is on the edge of village on a main road with no pathway access, so only vehicle usage. As for their marketing reasons, it will have no connection to Henley, so a bogus fact!! We have plenty of old peoples homes in the Henley area, not yet fully occupied so why another out of Henley. Perhaps they should visit the village in person and hold a meeting in village hall and hear our views.

Posted by: Peter Cawthra | 06/04/2022 10:32 am

Strange. The first page of Galliard properties includes "Orchard Wharf" in Docklands, "Timber Yard" in Birmingham City Centre, and "Baltimore Tower" - also in Docklands. These do not seem to relate to their "closest nationally/ internationally recognised place"?

Posted by: Wendy Nicholson | 05/04/2022 8:54 pm