If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most
Deal gives OSiT 100% ownership of portfolio and supports ambitions to grow value to £1billion by 2029 Leading London office provider Office Space in Town (OSiT) has today announced that it has successfully acquired Brightbay Real Estate Partners’ 80% share in their London Serviced Office portfolio. The joint venture between Brightbay
A comprehensive programme of improvement works at the Lockwood Way Industrial Estate in the London Borough of Waltham Forest has been completed and handed over by the main contractor BRAC Contracts. The £650,000 project was secured by BRAC following a competitive tender process and included improvement works to both the
More than 50% of units reserved before sales officially launched at West London site Developer confirms acquisition of second boutique London site in Mornington Crescent Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding company, has launched the official sales process for its flagship London scheme, One Cluny Mews, after receiving high
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more
Landsec has submitted a major planning application for the O2 Centre Masterplan Site as it looks to grow its mixed-use urban neighborhood portfolio. The proposal, which was submitted to the London Borough of Camden, will see the site transform into a landscape led development that will connect the communities of
Once complete the North East Lands neighbourhood will provide over 2,000 homes in addition to the 4,780 already complete across Wembley Park. Planning permission has been secured for the first phase of this district, which will provide 769 new homes, 201 of which will be affordable within a range of
In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled
Apartments complete with floor-to-ceiling glazing, stunning views and luxury resident facilities including a swimming pool and cinema, have sold in London. Riverlight occupies a prime central London location directly fronting the River Thames and comprises a group of six pavilions ranging from 12 to 20 storeys in height. As part
The largest ever Built To Rent (BTR) scheme has been announced by Legal & General, who is set to bring around 1,000 homes and 85,000 sq ft of commercial space to London. Two adjacent sites in Wandsworth will combine for the scheme, providing purpose-built rental homes with long leases for
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most out of your investment. House Refurbishment If you are looking to give your house a fresh new look, consider undertaking a house refurbishment project. This can range from small updates such as painting the walls or replacing old fixtures, to larger renovations like remodeling the kitchen or adding on an extra room. In particular, also consider adding a Shaftless Stair Lift to enhance accessibility for family members or visitors with limited mobility. Before starting any major changes, it is important to create a plan and budget for the project. It may also be necessary to hire contractors or architect London to assist with the renovations. A house refurbishment can greatly increase the value and enjoyment of your home. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your space into your dream house. Don’t hesitate to start making improvements and giving your house a well-deserved upgrade. 2.House Renovation Are you ready to take on a bigger challenge and completely renovate your house? This extensive project involves tearing down walls, reconstructing rooms, and possibly even adding on new sections of the house. Like with a refurbishment, it is important to plan out the renovations and budget for any necessary materials and hiring contractors. However, a renovation may also require building permits and adhere to certain regulations. A successful house renovation can completely modernize your living space and potentially increase the value of your home. It can be a daunting undertaking, but the end result will surely be worth it. Start planning now and bring your dream house to life. 3.House Extension If your family is growing or you simply want more space, consider building an extension to your house. This can involve constructing a new room or even an entire floor. Before starting the project, consult with architects and contractors to ensure that the extension will match the existing structure of your house and adhere to any regulations. It is also important to budget for materials and hiring workers. With a successful house extension, you can have extra space for all your needs without having to move to a new home. Start making plans and expand your living space today. 4.Loft Conversion Are you looking for a way to add more room to your house without undertaking major renovations? Consider converting your attic or loft into another living space. This project may involve adding stairs and improving insulation, as well as decorating the new room to your taste. It is important to consult with professionals and ensure that the conversion will not impact the structural integrity of your home. A loft conversion can be a cost-effective solution for gaining extra space in your house. Start planning now and make use of all the potential in your attic. Invest in a Key Lockbox One way to ensure that your property remains secure while allowing for easy access for tenants or repair people is to invest in a key lockbox. This small device attaches to your door and allows you to store a spare key inside, granting access to anyone with the designated combination or unique code. Not only does this eliminate the need for making copies of keys or meeting someone at the property, it also reduces the risk of lost or stolen keys. Choose a high-quality lockbox from a reputable brand for added security and peace of mind. Spend Time in the Space Before starting any renovation or refurbishment project, take the time to spend some time in the space and determine what updates are truly necessary. Are there certain areas that feel outdated or worn down? Are there functional issues that need to be addressed, such as a leaking roof or faulty appliances? Making a list of priorities can help you focus your efforts and budget on the most important updates first. And don’t forget about aesthetics – adding a fresh coat of paint or new furniture can make all the difference in improving the look and feel of your property. Keep these factors in mind as you plan for renovations. Be Realistic About Your Timeline It can be tempting to rush into a renovation project and try to complete it as quickly as possible. However, it is important to be realistic about the time and resources needed for a successful renovation. Factor in potential delays, such as ordering materials or scheduling contractors. Take the necessary steps to ensure all necessary permits are obtained. And don’t underestimate the amount of cleaning and organizing that may need to be done after the renovations are completed. By approaching your timeline realistically and planning accordingly, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a successful renovation project. Expect the Unexpected No matter how much planning and preparation goes into a renovation project, it is important to expect the unexpected. Unexpected issues may arise, such as structural damage or faulty appliances. It is wise to budget for these potential setbacks and have a contingency plan in place in case they occur. Keeping a positive attitude and remaining flexible can also help you navigate any roadblocks that come your way during the renovation process. Renovations can be challenging, but by expecting the unexpected and being prepared for bumps in the road, you can ensure a successful outcome. Interview Multiple Contractors Before hiring a contractor for your renovation project, it is important to interview multiple options. Get quotes and ask for references from past clients. Be sure to clarify all the details of the job, including the timeline, budget, and expected materials and techniques. It can also be helpful to have a clear contract in place before work begins. Taking the time to carefully choose a reliable and experienced contractor can save you headaches and potential issues
Deal gives OSiT 100% ownership of portfolio and supports ambitions to grow value to £1billion by 2029 Leading London office provider Office Space in Town (OSiT) has today announced that it has successfully acquired Brightbay Real Estate Partners’ 80% share in their London Serviced Office portfolio. The joint venture between Brightbay (previously RDI REIT P.L.C.) and OSiT was established in 2018. The portfolio is now owned fully by OSiT. The buyout marks a major milestone for the future trajectory of the business, unleashing OSiT’s plans to increase the portfolio value to £500m in the next four years and to £1billion by 2029. OSiT is actively seeking new buildings in prime London locations to purchase to meet rising demand for flexible workspace, as well as partners to support its ambitious growth plans. The deal follows a period of exponential growth for the sector following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen demand for flexible office space up 82% on pre-pandemic levels.[1] In fact, as workers return to offices, 41% of occupiers are expected to increase use of flexible workspace as part of a post-COVID work strategy.[2] In light of this, defining an industry-wide valuation standard for flexible offices remains a major priority for the company in the next six months, with talks ongoing between OSiT and leading academics Professor Neil Dunse and Professor Michael White. RDI REIT acquired an 80% stake in the portfolio of four central London OSiT assets in 2018 from Forum Partners, Kailong Group and OSiT. The deal marked a continued move by mainstream institutional investors into the flexible office market. OSiT was advised by lawyers at leading City law firm RPC, led by Tom Purton. Giles Fuchs, Chairman of Office Space in Town, said: “This deal marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting chapter in OSiT’s growth. This new phase will enable the OSiT team to deliver on our ambitious vision for the future, including our active search to acquire new buildings and plans to grow the portfolio value to £1billion. “Our partnership with Brightbay showcased just how much value and potential institutional investors see within our rapidly growing sector and in OSiT as a business. I would like to thank the entire team, including Stephen Oakenfull and Adrian Horsburgh, for such an exciting journey.” Simon Eastlake, Managing Director of Office Space in Town, commented: “Full ownership of the OSiT portfolio marks an important milestone that now sets us on track for a new phase of exciting growth. “We are actively seeking new buildings and partners that share our vision and enthusiasm for the sector. We’re incredibly excited about what the future holds next for OSiT.” Tom Purton, Head of Commercial Team at RPC, commented: “We were delighted to act for OSiT on what is a very significant and transformational deal for them. I have known and acted for OSiT for a number of years, but this was the first deal we have done for them since my move to City law firm, RPC in 2021. “OSiT is a great business, has a very strong management team, a unique culture which inspires huge loyalty amongst its workforce with market leading serviced offices. I have no doubt this deal will help take the business to the next level”.
A comprehensive programme of improvement works at the Lockwood Way Industrial Estate in the London Borough of Waltham Forest has been completed and handed over by the main contractor BRAC Contracts. The £650,000 project was secured by BRAC following a competitive tender process and included improvement works to both the industrial units, as well as the surrounding public realm. Located within the Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone, the Lockwood Way Industrial Estate is home to an eclectic mix of local businesses including two craft breweries and a vintage scooter specialist. The improvement work has been carried out not only to further increase the attractiveness of the area to new businesses, but also to improve it for those already based there. The estate now boasts attractive new frontages to the industrial units, signage for both the businesses themselves as well as the wider estate, artwork, footpath widening, fencing, landscaping, and road resurfacing. It brings to life a vision created by We Made That. BRAC’s MD, Adam Clark, comments: “As an area identified for investment, Lockwood Way possessed huge potential not only to be updated and made more attractive to current and potential tenants, but also to become a more integral part of the local community. “Through the work that we’ve delivered against the vision outlined by the team at ‘We Made That’, the estate now has the potential to offer ‘after hours’ facilities and increase its vibrancy beyond all measure! We’re delighted to have been involved in such an important project and look forward to witnessing it being enjoyed.” The transformation of Lockwood Way will be celebrated on July 16, 2022, with a family-friendly block party featuring live music, children’s activities and street food. Concluding, Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration at Waltham Forest Council, comments: “Lockwood Way Industrial Estate has become a home for a broad variety of creatives, makers, and artisans who have transformed it into a bustling hub of culture and small businesses. We are delighted to have worked with We Made That and BRAC, alongside local businesses, to improve the area and build upon its heritage to support new industries finding their way and help local up-and-coming talents establish themselves. “The Lockwood Way project is an amazing opportunity to highlight the skills and services available in the borough, support local business growth and create jobs, and protect the breadth of creative diversity in the area.” Further information on the Lockwood Way Industrial Estate can be found here: https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/regeneration-and-growth/regeneration-blackhorse-lane/regeneration-blackhorse-lane/lockwood-way
More than 50% of units reserved before sales officially launched at West London site Developer confirms acquisition of second boutique London site in Mornington Crescent Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding company, has launched the official sales process for its flagship London scheme, One Cluny Mews, after receiving high demand from buyers for pre-sales reservations. With a £40 million GDV, One Cluny Mews is Salboy’s first residential development in London. It comprises 35 high quality 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, including 8 duplex penthouses. The development is located in the popular and affluent area of Earl’s Court, a part of Kensington in west London that has experienced significant investment and regeneration in recent years, yet offers limited new build opportunities. Properties at One Cluny Mews are now available to purchase and will be marketed to individual homebuyers and investors throughout the UK as well as by Salboy’s overseas sales partners in the Middle East and Asia. 50% of the units under development have already been reserved by individual buyers, indicating the persistent high demand for high quality, prime residential property in central London. While One Cluny Mews marks Salboy’s entry into the London residential property market, it is the first of several London schemes in Salboy’s pipeline with a combined GDV of over £100 million. Salboy has also announced today the acquisition of its second London site in Mornington Crescent. The company has a pending planning application to build more than a dozen boutique residential properties on the brownfield site that is located close to Kings Cross and St Pancras in Zone One. Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “London is a key part of our long-term growth strategy as a developer and funder of high quality housing across the UK. We’re delighted to have achieved such a high level of early buyer interest and commitment in our first development in the capital. We look forward to sharing with more homebuyers and investors what One Cluny Mews, our new site in Mornington Crescent and our other pipelined London schemes can offer them over the coming months.” Salboy’s dedicated construction partner, DOMIS Construction is active on site, with all construction on site expected to be completed Q2 2023. Designed in collaboration with architects, Studio Power, the thoughtful, sleek design of One Cluny Mews will make for spacious, bright living. Along with the latest security systems and concierge services, the site will be enclosed within private gates offering residents homes they can truly relax in. The private residents’ garden will enhance this sense of ease, providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. A small number of home offices that open out onto the private courtyard are also available for residents to buy. This news comes after the recent announcement that Salboy has entered a joint venture agreement with Relentless, the property development company owned by Gary Neville, to deliver Manchester’s long-anticipated St Michael’s development, a scheme comprising a 5* hotel, homes and leisure spaces.
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more than 3,250 apartments, has become the latest Wembley Park building to put residents’ wellbeing first. Designed with notable mid-century modern influences, the homes are all about inner calm – about achieving balance between heart and mind, according to interior designers Fossey Arora. “Madison is all about looking into yourself – about health, wellbeing and protection. About fresh air and inner calm. This is delivered through clean, simple design, with timeless, mid-century modern influences that embody clutter-free living. There’s a sense of calm and precision that flows throughout the building.” Fossey Arora With a super gym and children’s nursery beneath it, the iconic National Stadium on one side and vibrant parkland of Union Park on the other, Madison is certainly well positioned to deliver on the wellbeing front. The importance of health and family are felt throughout the building. As residents step into the super lobby, the atmosphere at Madison immediately feels clean and clear. It’s a sense that arises the moment you enter, contributed to by the bright, circular ceiling lights, black and white chequered floor, deep blue lava stone tiles and gleaming golden post boxes. This classic, 1950s feel pervades Madison, with dark wood panelling, leather sofas, herringbone timber and a host of other textures playing into that mid-century advertising firm vibe that Mad Men encapsulated so perfectly. Set in New York, with the firm based on Madison Avenue, Mad Men became as renowned for its sense of style and fashion as it did for its engaging plotlines, and this same feeling of iconic design can be felt within Quintain Living’s Madison. Shared spaces within the building are both welcoming and functional – comfortable but uncluttered. The comfortable seating in the lobby’s welcome area draws residents into the space, while above it sits the residents’ lounge. A seating/breakout area overlooks the lobby, with the broken plan design facilitating a range of uses. The outlook over the greenery of the new Union Park, the first new park in the area for 100 years, delivers an immediate sense of connection with nature, while the circular lights have the feeling of skylights, inviting residents to work, relax and catch up with friends over coffee in a space that feels snug and calm. On Madison’s upper floor, residents can enjoy a lounge with zones for work or relaxation, with access to the sky lounge and lawned rooftop area, with the iconic Wembley Stadium arch right in front of them. The rooftop has been designed to cater to residents’ wellbeing in multiple ways, serving as the perfect spot for everything from yoga sessions to popup rooftop movie showings. For those looking for calm, there are planted archways to stroll beneath, with tunnels of greenery delivering a sense of protection, enclosure and peace. A smaller roof terrace, meanwhile, uses a simple design to create an open space, packed with greenery, for residents to sit and relax. The use of nature to add to the sense of calm is reflected in the design of Madison’s podium garden. Plants are used to divide up a series of enclosed areas, where residents can encapsulate themselves away from the world and take time to relax. There’s a lawn for pets (welcome in every Quintain Living home) and a play area with sustainable timber play equipment for younger residents. The cleverly designed BBQ area, meanwhile, has zones that allow residents to be as private or as connected as they wish while using the space. And at the heart of the garden is the circular lawn, which invites families to enjoy the space while feeling a sense of togetherness. “There’s a real sense of serenity to the design of Madison. It’s uncluttered and simple – the perfect space for residents to focus on their health and wellbeing, away from the fast pace of London life. That sense flows through both the internal and external spaces. At the same time, the building is perfectly located for those looking to get the best out of their leisure time, the moment they set foot outside the door and into the Wembley Park neighbourhood.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living The apartments themselves are equally restful and are available in two colour palettes – a lighter, sage/beige theme and a darker palette of warm browns and rich blues – while furnishings are curated and provided by John Lewis & Partners. The overall feel is one of warmth and homeliness, with the homes delivering a sense of protection and retreat. At the same time, playfulness is delivered through texture and the creative use of controlled, precise lines that add interest to the space – such as the vertical tiles that lead up to the horizontal storage shelf below the kitchen cupboards. Madison’s bathrooms invite relaxation and harmony. The circular mirror and sink speak to a sense of togetherness, with smooth edges set against the black and white chequered floor delivering a lovely simplicity. Available for occupancy now, Madison provides 381 studios and apartments to rent, ranging from one to three bedrooms. For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Landsec has submitted a major planning application for the O2 Centre Masterplan Site as it looks to grow its mixed-use urban neighborhood portfolio. The proposal, which was submitted to the London Borough of Camden, will see the site transform into a landscape led development that will connect the communities of Finchley Road and West End Lane. Landsec has been working with the local community and the London Borough of Camden to develop the new masterplan. The site will deliver 1,800 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, and will provide a variety of amenities and leisure facilities, including a town square with a variety of shops, restaurants, supermarket, gym, and cinema. As a new green space, the entire site will have improved pedestrian links and half of the 14-acre space will be dedicated to public and green spaces that will be open and accessible for all. This includes a new community green, linear park and a community garden, where people can visit, exercise and socialise in. The development is aligned with Landsec’s focus on developing and investing in mixed-use urban neighbourhoods, a key pillar of its growth strategy. David Heaford, Managing Director – Development at Landsec: “We are delighted to submit our final proposal for the O2 Centre after receiving valuable input from the local community. At Landsec, we believe in the power of building communities, workforces and improving lives. The O2 Masterplan Site represents our vision of creating a vibrant place to live, work and enjoy, shaped by local identity and designed to serve the needs of all in the community whilst providing access to open green space. More broadly, we remain excited by the huge growth potential of these urban opportunities and believe regeneration is key in offering sustainable urban neighbourhoods right across the UK.”
Once complete the North East Lands neighbourhood will provide over 2,000 homes in addition to the 4,780 already complete across Wembley Park. Planning permission has been secured for the first phase of this district, which will provide 769 new homes, 201 of which will be affordable within a range of tenures including Shared Ownership, Affordable Rent and Discount Market Rent. Union Park, Wembley’s first new park in 150 years, will be a major part of this new development, providing seven acres of new green space for the community 3.5 of which are already complete. The construction contract for the first two plots will be the largest ever awarded in Quintain’s 30-year history – approximately £220 million. Quintain has recently announced it has broken ground on the next major phase of the 85-acre neighbourhood being created at Wembley Park. Named North East Lands, this 12-acre site will deliver over 2,000 new homes with 769 to be built in its first phase. The first two developments at North East Lands comprise of two buildings with blocks ranging from 10 to 27 storeys, centred around communal gardens, a public park and each block includes a roof terrace. North East Lands will provide almost a quarter of the 8,500 homes within Quintain’s Wembley Park overall masterplan and has been designed with high levels of sustainability in both construction and operation, in line with Quintain’s sustainability priorities. The majority of the new Haworth Tompkins’ designed homes in this first phase will be for rent and managed by the award-winning Quintain Living team that already operates over 3,250 homes across Wembley Park within nine diverse Build-to-Rent communities. North East Lands will feature furnished apartments with best-in-class interior design and the lifestyle amenities that Quintain Living is famous for. The buildings will be designed and operated to recognised industry sustainability standards such as the WELL Building Standard. James Saunders, Chief Executive of Quintain said: “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it is fantastic to start work on this new significant phase of Wembley Park, a neighbourhood that we are extraordinarily proud to say is one of the most exciting new districts in London. Over the last 20 years, Quintain has built Wembley Park from the ground up and North East Lands will not only add to our flourishing Build-to-Rent portfolio, it will also bring a new seven-acre park and a home for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who are relocating to this area. Union Park will open up new green space for all the residents of Brent and we are very proud to be able to deliver what will be the first new park in the area for 150 years.” All the buildings in North Eastern Lands have been designed around the new seven-acre Union Park, with local retail in mind, including new space for a community hall, corner shop and café on the park creating a relaxed place to live, work and visit. The first three acres are complete and open for the community to enjoy. Demolition and enabling works started in January 2022 and are being undertaken by John Sisk & Son, they mark the closure of the last of the surface carparks that historically surrounded the National Stadium. These historic car parks have been replaced by state-of-the -art car and coach facilities, delivered in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the development will embrace Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) helping to dramatically reduce vehicle and labour movements as well as improving the on site environment. To deliver North Eastern Lands, Quintain are in advanced discussions with John Sisk & Son over the largest construction contract ever to be awarded at Wembley Park at approximately £220m. Sisk have been a key delivery partner for Quintain for 17 years working on residential developments, the Hilton hotel and the refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed, OVO Arena Wembley.
In a move that will enable the delivery of c.450 new homes, 40,000 sq ft of commercial space and enhanced passenger facilities, LCR and Network Rail have commenced on the sale of a 7.4-acre site adjacent to Hemel Hempstead railway station. The site’s proximity to the station gives it unrivalled connectivity and transport links, and it sits close to key local amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants and cafés, leisure facilities, schools and nurseries. It also backs onto Blackbirds Moor, a popular walking destination, part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and home to the Box Moor Cricket Club. Andrew Ferguson, regional director at LCR, said: “After much hard work over the past 24 months, we’re excited to have reached this next key project milestone as we implement our masterplan and bring the site to market. Coupling easy access to London with open green spaces and high-quality community assets, this site represents an unmissable opportunity to unlock new homes, commercial space and public value”. JLL has been instructed to support the selection of a development partner. Sajaad Ahmad, director at JLL, said: “We are delighted to bring such an exciting opportunity to the market and are seeking for a partner who shares LCR and Network Rail’s vision and ambition for creating a new vibrant residential community in Hemel Hempstead.” LCR and Network Rail formed a partnership in 2018 to identify opportunities to free up underutilised land for residential development at and around stations across the rail network. The two organisations will work alongside landowners to pool or acquire the critical mass of land required for new development at every station, before securing planning and bringing opportunities to market alongside other key government agencies, including Homes England. The partnership recognises the importance of a collaborative process in creating new, market-ready opportunities. Bringing together the unique and complementary skillsets of the public, private, rail and real estate sectors is key to unlocking development across these often-complex brownfield sites.
Apartments complete with floor-to-ceiling glazing, stunning views and luxury resident facilities including a swimming pool and cinema, have sold in London. Riverlight occupies a prime central London location directly fronting the River Thames and comprises a group of six pavilions ranging from 12 to 20 storeys in height. As part of the multi-million pound project, air distribution products were supplied by expert manufacturers, Waterloo Air Products plc. Each building featured bespoke glazing and inverted balconies to increase daylight and maximise views of the river. To create the perfect living environment for new owners, Waterloo’s air terminal devices were fitted inside five of the six buildings. Waterloo delivered aesthetically-pleasing linear bar grilles which were integrated at a high level in every room. The APM plasterline grille was chosen so that the surrounding frame could be plastered into the wall with only the central core visible. Special clip fixings were developed so that the frame could be installed first. After the room was decorated, the core was then fitted. Diffusers were fed via thermally-lined plenums which were sized to give good throw patterns at various fan coil air volumes. Before the installation of any products, Waterloo created working mock-ups in the test lab to ensure perfect air performance and specified noise levels could be achieved. Waterloo’s variable ventilation controllers deliver the exact amount of air flow to enhance the luxurious feel of each of the residential and retail blocks. Once Phase One was completed, the same format was created through to the other blocks. Over the course of several months, hundreds of apartments were installed with a state-of-the-art air distribution system. As well as this, other onsite facilities, which included restaurants, a gym and virtual golf, all needed specialist air distribution. Maximising space and ensuring each grille was finished to a high specification was of paramount importance to Waterloo. Consideration had to be given to each of the separate apartment blocks and, in a bid to minimise disruption, work was carried out in organised phases. Waterloo staggered manufacture and delivery to the London site to facilitate the needs of the developer. Speaking about the project, Andrew Mildon, sales office manager at Air Systems (SW), said he enjoyed being involved. He says: “This project was really exciting. Our aim was to deliver excellent air conditioning and air distribution throughout each apartment. When one block was complete, we literally moved on to the next.” From initial design stages, developers were keen to create something truly unique within this area of London. Considering the central location, it was paramount to conjure up a unique flagship development. And it seems buyers could not wait to invest.
The largest ever Built To Rent (BTR) scheme has been announced by Legal & General, who is set to bring around 1,000 homes and 85,000 sq ft of commercial space to London. Two adjacent sites in Wandsworth will combine for the scheme, providing purpose-built rental homes with long leases for all ages, demographics and social groups. “As renting continues to become a tenure of choice in the UK, the delivery of high density, high quality developments with vibrant communities is becoming more and more important. To do this, we need to deliver schemes which offer well connected housing options, which are carefully integrated into the public realm, maximising our existing infrastructure and supporting economic growth. This latest development in Wandsworth, our largest BTR acquisition to date, is a perfect example, offering 1,000 new rental homes alongside improving the station infrastructure and offering commercial real estate space to support local businesses,” commented Paul Miller, MD Principal Investing at Legal & General Capital. Located within Zone 2 and adjacent to Wandsworth Town train station, the £500 million development will include a new entrance to the platforms and will form part of the major regeneration of the local area. It will also include 35% affordable housing. Through the creation of a BTR asset class, Legal & General is looking to use its sources of long term capital to help address the chronic lack of housing supply and meet the increasing demand for affordable, quality rental accommodation. “This latest acquisition is another great example of Legal & General investing in a location with significant urban regeneration potential and providing large scale sustainable rental schemes which will have a positive socioeconomic impact. The location is highly desirable for renters and, with 1,000 units planned for the site, demonstrates Legal & General’s ambition to make a real impact on the delivery of new homes within the UK. Representing our largest scheme to date, this flagship BTR development is another step forward towards tackling the severe housing crisis facing both London and the UK, offering homes for all ages and social groups, as well as reduced living costs thanks to economies of scale,” said Dan Batterton, Head of Build To Rent at LGIM Real Assets.
