Reusing land and old buildings has become a priority as the country’s space runs out. Anna Bowden looks at some quality developments that turn derelict and disused land into stunning new homes.
An increasing emphasis on care for the environment has put new homes developers under great pressure to create developments that do their bit; by building on brownfield land, by refurbishing or sensitively converting old and disused buildings or by joining with local councils on comprehensive area-wide regeneration projects. Here we bring you a selection of the most remarkable regeneration stories in London and the South East.
The PJ Livesey Group is a key player in the business of regeneration, specialising in the regeneration of listed buildings. These buildings are considered to be of architectural and historical importance and are strong candidates for restoration, due to their inherent character and aesthetic beauty. The group is currently undertaking several regeneration projects in the south of England, transforming neglected period buildings into luxurious new properties and combining a genuine love of architectural heritage with the practicality of a newly built home.
Claybury Villas once served as administration buildings to the former Claybury Hospital, set within the leafy grounds of Repton Park, Essex. The Victorian Grade II Listed buildings have retained many of their original internal and external features, enabling PJ Livesey to create a world of elegant period architecture within acres of beautiful wooded parkland.
Montague House and Arlington House combine to offer 11 well-appointed two-bedroom apartments, each offering excellent standards of quality, comfort and space. The apartments’ exclusive design includes carpets, curtains, light fittings, high-specification kitchen appliances and master bedroom furniture, while an open plan design ensures the intelligent use of light and space. Prices start from £350,000. For further information call 0800 783 0259.
Fairfield Hall, an impressive Victorian Grade II Listed building, is one of PJ Livesey’s most ambitious projects to date. Comprising over 200 one- and two-bedroom apartments, the development provides a refreshing and invigorating environment, with ample opportunity to indulge in the development’s scenic cycle paths and stunning landscaped gardens.
All apartments offer high standards in quality, comfort and finish. Specification is high and includes a range of stainless steel kitchen appliances/units and a stylish contemporary bathroom, while an open-plan design ensures the intelligent use of light and space
In addition, the development will feature its very own luxury leisure facilities, offering expertise in all areas of health, fitness and relaxation. Cited as the first Boutique Health Club in Britain, GL-14 aspires to create a holistic approach to health and fitness, encompassing the body, mind and spirit.
Prices start from £147,500. Call 01462 735125.
Barratt has started work on an important regeneration scheme in Romford, on the London/Essex borders. The Axis offers almost 230 new homes in landmark contemporary buildings on the site of the old Dolphin Centre, a 1980s leisure centre and pool in the town centre. Replacing it is a 15-storey elliptical tower, constructed on top of a new Asda store.
Barratt Southern chairman Clive Fenton said, ‘We are engaged in a series of high-profile town centre regeneration programmes across London and the South East at present, and The Axis is another good demonstration of how dereliction and blight is being replaced with very high quality custom-designed mixed-use schemes.
‘The old Dolphin Centre was a classic example of the sort of tired and outdated community buildings the government wants to see rejuvenated with mixed-use schemes that bring residential life back to town centres and blends in new retail, commercial and leisure uses. The Axis does all this in a spectacular way.’
The Axis comprises 229 one- and two-bedroom apartments, all featuring fully fitted kitchen complete with integrated appliances, as well as bathrooms and large windows to maximise views. The majority of apartments will also have a balcony or terrace.
Prices at The Axis start from £179,995. Call 020 8522 5555.
Persimmon Homes is seeing amazing success at its flagship Orwell Quay development in Ipswich’s Docklands – 12 apartments were reserved in just one day, generating over £3.5 million in sales in less than 24 hours!
Orwell Quay consists of 84 stunning apartments set within several different blocks. The Capstan building is the latest phase; located on the waterfront itself, Capstan boasts the premier location within the development. All properties offer a superb specification, including a fully fitted kitchen complete with built-in appliances. Communal areas also benefit from telephone entry system and access to the car park.
Orwell Quay is one of Ipswich’s most exciting developments. Located in a desirable waterfront setting, residents will benefit from many local amenities including restaurants, secure parking and shops.
Prices for currently available apartments range in price from £220,000 to £395,000. Due for completion this year, a further choice of apartments is also available in the three Blythburgh buildings, ranging in price from £140,000 to £400,000. Call 01473 286105.
A contemporary new development of 25 two-bedroom apartments is now available through Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward. Located in Bromley, Kent, Bromley House has already seen high levels of demand, as a result of which over 25 per cent of the properties have already been sold.
Just half a mile from Bromley South station and its direct links to London Victoria (a journey time of approximately 15 minutes), this lovely collection of homes has been built over four floors and offers carefully designed interiors combined with a secure environment, incorporating a gated entrance and integrated underground car parking.
Paul Stone, manager of KFH's land and new homes department, comments, ‘Due to the fast links, impressive shopping facilities and its close proximity to central London, just 12 miles south-east of London’s West End, Bromley is one of the most popular areas for commuters.
‘These superb apartments at Bromley House offer home buyers excellent value for money with a contemporary new home that is conveniently situated in the very centre of Bromley.’
Prices at Bromley House start from £235,000. Call 01689 889449.
Telford Homes is another big name in regeneration, and its latest scheme, Tequila Wharf, has now been launched to great acclaim and not a little interest.
‘Telford Homes is excited about this scheme,’ remarks Sheena Ellwood, the developer’s sales and marketing director. ‘With Tequila Wharf Telford Homes is moving on in its programme of urban regeneration and is taking its specialist skills and knowledge of the sector to new heights.’
The canal-side structure rises from five to ten storeys in a fusion of light sandstone brick, clean pale render and expanses of glazing and steel. The result is a clever complement to the surrounding water, industrial buildings and plant life.
All apartments at Tequila Wharf feature the latest in fitted kitchens by Urban Myth, with fully integrated stainless steel appliances from Smeg. Bathrooms have elegant white sanitary ware finished with chrome taps and fittings by Grohe. The one- and two-bedroom apartments and the luxurious penthouses with large terrace are ideal low-maintenance residences for today¹s busy professional, and the location right between the City and Canary Wharf means the commute is all but cut out.
Prices start from £192,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Penthouses are priced from £370,000. Find out more online at telfordhomes.plc.uk or call 0870 872 0987.
Higgins Homes is now offering The East Village in Dagenham, Essex; an area of the Thames Gateway. This region is the property hotspot of the moment, being the subject of a massive government regeneration project as well as the site of the 2012 Olympics if London wins the bid. The East Village is a stylish scheme of 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments with parking, starting at an affordable £132,500 for one bedroom.
The development is made up of three separate blocks, interspersed by landscape gardening and leafy surrounds and set over four storeys. External elevations comprise a mixture of red brick, extensive glazing and steel terraces combined with highly distinctive pitched roofs, which create an unusual yet fashionable appearance.
All apartments within the scheme are flexible and spacious and offer airy open-plan living. Sleek designer kitchens by Urban Myth come in a variety of styles, extending out to large living areas. Apartments also benefit from French windows, most opening out onto terraces or Juliet balconies, which allow the outside to flow in and create a feeling of space.
The scheme boasts a clever combination of affordability and high-quality specification; kitchens are fully fitted with modern integrated stainless steel appliances and bathrooms feature elegant white sanitary ware by Ideal Standard. For further details call 020 8508 6000.
Royal Arsenal in Woolwich is also in the Thames Gateway region, and is a massive regeneration project for Berkeley Homes. The developer has recently completed work on Building 36, the sensitive refurbishment and restoration of a Grade II listed former warehouse which is now home to a range of contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes. In addition, the building retains many of its original features and forms the most prestigious part of the Grand Store complex.
Originally, the warehouses that form the Grand Store were used as naval store houses supplying the British army; now they house a truly superb selection of high-specification and desirable homes. For price information and to find out more call the sales and marketing suite on 020 8331 7272.