An innovative new housing scheme from Crest Nicholson, in partnership with St Clement Danes Holborn Estate Charity, founded in 1551, has been given the go ahead at St Clement’s Heights in leafy Sydenham Hill, South East London.
St Clement’s Heights is ideally positioned in an idyllic corner of South East London, within zone three. The redevelopment of the six-acre site will provide 46 luxurious private new homes consisting of 26 two and three bedroom apartments and 20 four bedroom townhouses. As part of Crest Nicholson’s affordable housing contribution, 50 one and two bedroom almshouse apartments will be rebuilt on behalf of the Charity for the housing of needy elderly persons currently resident in the London Boroughs. Some of the private apartments and almshouses will offer stunning views across London.
The private accommodation is arranged around central gardens, and includes an apartment block (Dane House) with recessed penthouses, a terrace of three and four storey town houses, and a pair of mews terraces. Soft landscaping will give each building both a public front and private space, perfect for young families. The buildings have been designed to maximize space and provide ample storage, making the apartments ideal for downsizers, second steppers and families alike.
The gardens are shared spaces where children can play, supervised from the surrounding houses, with areas for socialising over picnics and barbeques, and space for quiet contemplation.
To enhance the aesthetics of the suburban street scene, car parking and cycle storage has been moved to the basement of the apartment block. Dedicated storage cupboards are provided outside the townhouses for refuse, meters and bicycles.
A sense of cohesion is maintained across the development by a common palette of materials. A single brick type is used across the entire site; the slightly washed, stock brick appearance is complemented by dark bronze metalwork.
Ben Marsh, Development Director at Crest Nicholson London, said: “We’re delighted to get the go ahead on St Clement’s Heights, which promises a combination of modern, private properties along with brand new larger almshouses for the St Clement Danes Holborn Estate Charity.
“We worked with stakeholders throughout the planning process to ensure that the needs of all parties involved in the redevelopment were met and expectations exceeded. Extensive consultation with residents and the wider community, as well as partnership working with Lewisham Borough Council, has created a new vision for Sydenham Hill. We very much look forward to starting work on the project to create a new, bustling neighbourhood in this desirable London suburb.”
Richard Carey MBE FRICS, Chairman of the Trustees of St Clement Danes Holborn Estate Charity, said: “Our existing residents at St Clement’s Heights are thrilled with plans for the site’s regeneration and look forward to moving into their modernised apartments next summer. They were able to help shape the design of the development to ensure the new layout better meets their needs, dramatically enhancing their quality of life.”
Crest Nicholson’s in-house architect for London, Nick Beard RIBA, explained: “A sense of neighbourhood is at the heart of the architecture of this development. As we worked on the design in close collaboration with the St Clement Danes Holborn Estate Charity, it was clear that the almshouse residents wanted to be part of a dynamic, emerging community. As such, we have incorporated this into the master plan and architectural design of the site.
“St Clement’s Heights is a bold scheme supported by Lewisham planning department, members of their design review panel, local residents groups and most importantly the current almshouse residents.”
St Clement’s Heights is located less than half a mile from Sydenham Hill railway station, with services running into London Victoria in just 15 minutes via Herne Hill and Brixton, and southbound links to Orpington via Bromley South.
Sydenham London Overground station is also just one mile away with trains into Canada Water (15 minutes), London Bridge (17 minutes) and Canary Wharf (21 minutes). The development is also well served by local bus routes.
Properties at Sydenham Hill are planned for sale in spring 2017 with first completions in summer 2017. For more information or to register your interest call 020 3640 7577 or visit www.crestnicholson.com.
