JCB confirmed earlier this month that an RIBA design competition is underway to select a team of architects to develop a masterplan for the redevelopment of its Heavy Products site in Uttoxeter. Six teams have been short-listed by RIBA to produce design work for the redevelopment.

Now a committee has been formed to evaluate their submissions. The panel comprises JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, his wife Lady Bamford and their daughter Alice Bamford. Uttoxeter residents Katie-Jo Thomas, Norman Whittingham and Michael Lee complete the line-up.

They will assess the initial design concepts in May – but only after the public have had a chance to express views on the submissions at a town exhibition.

The Bamford family has links with Uttoxeter stretching back nearly 200 years. Sir Anthony’s family started out in business in the town as blacksmiths in the 1820s. Uttoxeter was also the town where his father, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford, founded his business in a lock-up garage in 1945.

Sir Anthony said: “Uttoxeter is where the JCB business started and has continued to prosper over the last 62 years. For that reason I’m committed to leaving a legacy to be proud of when we vacate the historic site in the centre of the town.”

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