News

The Royal Docks has the potential to generate 35,000 jobs, 4,000 new homes and attract more than £5bn in inward investment by 2037/38.

Today, the detailed delivery plan for the 112-hectare Royal Docks Enterprise Zone was signed off by the board of the London Economic Action Partnership, responsible for allocating funding.

The planned investment, to be carried out over five years from 2018/19, will support the comprehensive regeneration of the Royal Docks over the next five years.

This will involve an integrated package of investment in transport infrastructure, connectivity, economic development, placemaking, and promotion and estate management.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Today marks a major step forward in the development of this site, which has the potential to become not only an important new business destination but also a key part of the capital’s cultural life.”

Bellway aims to create a new eastern quarter for the town centre, with new homes, retail and public realm.

The site has been abandoned since 2014 when the council moved down the road into the old Woolwich building.

Proposals include significant Public Realm improvements to form new links, and create new routes and spaces to serve the whole town.

Once completed, the development will be the tallest building in Bexleyheath with one of the blocks rising to 13 storeys.

Enabling work on the scheme is due to start next month.

The client teams includes architect RMA and M&E consultant Powell Tolner & Associates.

A spokeswoman from Bexley Council said: “There is a need for local housing in the borough with many Bexley residents and their families struggling to find good quality, affordable accommodation, which is why the council is committed to providing more affordable homes, and has approved the 518 homes on the former Civic Offices site in Bexleyheath town centre.

“The scheme includes 110 affordable homes and new commercial floorspace. The application will now be the subject of a review by the Mayor of London, as is normal with a scheme of this size.”

The mixed-use scheme will provide 30,000 sq ft of new purpose built co-working office space alongside 121 new homes.

The project is understood to be worth around £50m according to former bidders.

Designed by Hutchinson & Partners, the scheme will provide 91 private apartments and 30 affordable and shared ownership apartments within two blocks rising to 11-storeys.

The residential element will sit over the new commercial space and parking provision on the lower ground floors.

Ardmore will oversee the completion of the current substructure contract, before starting the structural frame in Q4 2018. The project is expected to complete in Q4 2019.

Chen Moravsky, Labtech Group CEO, said: “We’re pleased to have appointed Ardmore for this development. They have a proven track record and we are confident that they will meet LabTech’s high standards.

“This is another project for LabTech that combines technology led co-working and serviced apartments within one urban community”.

Cormac Byrne, Ardmore’s managing director said: “It’s an honour to be chosen to deliver such an important project for LabTech – especially on a scheme that combines our extensive track record as one of London’s premiere residential contractor whilst building on our recent success in the commercial and office sectors.”

Work on the scheme will now start in January 2019, pushing the completion date back from September 2022 to March 2023.

Laing O’Rourke, which will deliver the £700m construction package for joint owners Hammerson and Standard Life Investments, was due to get enabling works underway next month.

But delays associated with compulsory purchase orders for land at the site have been blamed for knocking back the project start, according to a Barnet Council committee report.

A joint venture between Graham/Hochtief is believed to have secured the first major contract for infrastructure works, which is expected to last 18 months.

The regeneration of Brent Cross London will double the size of the existing centre to 2m sq ft of retail and leisure space.

This will include up to 150 new retail stores and 50 new restaurants, as well as an extra leisure and cinema offer, hotel accommodation and improved public spaces including a new town square.

The plans also include a relocated and enlarged bus station as well as improved transport and highways infrastructure.

The scheme is designed by award-winning architects, Callison RTKL and Chapman Taylor.

The consortium of investors supporting the footballers-turned-developers has been told the scheme will not be called in by the Secretary of State upholding earlier city council full planning approval.

Jackson’s Row Developments is the client for the St Michael’s project to be built near the Grade I-listed Manchester Town Hall.

Located in Deansgate, the St Michael’s scheme will consist of a landmark tower and stepped extended podium building designed by architect Hodder and Partners.

This replaces architect Make’s previous twin tower plan, which was dropped in the face of complaints that it would destroy historic buildings at the site.

As a result the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub and the frontage of the Bootle Street Police Station will now be preserved within the scheme.

The top of the tower will house a single penthouse split over two levels with terrace at each end

Including a large podium building the tower will rise to 39 storeys and contain a five star, 200-bed hotel with nearly 190 luxury flats above.

Office building forms part of the podium for the main tower

There will also be 148,000 sq ft of offices in a 9-storey stepped building forming part of the podium to the east of the main tower. This will include rooftop bars with stunning outdoor rooftop terrace.

Chinese construction group BCEGI is an active equity and construction partner in St Michael’s, owing a 21% stake.

At present there is no time table for enabling works and construction, which will employ nearly 300 throughout the build.

Neville said:   “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has decided to not call in our revised plans for St Michael’s and that the vision for this landmark mixed-use scheme will be realised.

“It’s been more than a decade since the idea to regenerate a strategic city centre location was first considered – and our whole team is very pleased that we can focus on delivering this project for Manchester, bringing new high-quality development that will enhance the city’s position both nationally and internationally.”

The partners will replace the Silvertown Partnership consortium of Chelsfield Properties, First Base and Macquarie Capital, which was selected as development partner by the Greater London Authority back in 2012.

Under the new deal, Lendlease Europe Holdings will act as development manager for the 7m sq ft scheme, following a phased transition from the existing development manager, First Base.

Silvertown Partnership was planning to redevelop the large swathe of former industrial land between Canary Wharf and London City Airport with offices and 3,500 homes.

Phase 1 at Silvertown Quays was ready to start with an iconic flour mill not used since the 1980s converted into a new centre for business and enterprise alongside more than 800 homes.

Under the new deal all works at Millennium Mills will form half of phase one  which must be completed before the lease agreement for phase 2 can be drawn down under the Master Development Agreement.

The deal includes as yet unpublished milestone dates for the submission of the approved planning application for the detailed planning permission for Phase 1 and its completion.

Dan Labbad, Chief Executive Officer, International Operations, Lendlease said: “Working in partnership, we plan to create a place that’s innovative and environmentally sustainable, and will provide tangible benefits for the local community for the long-term. These are standards and commitments we apply to all our work and Silvertown Quays is no exception.”

Jeff Dishner, Global Head of Real Estate Acquisitions, Starwood Capital, said: “We are excited to partner with Lendlease on this prominent East London regeneration scheme that will help address London’s much needed affordable housing and private residential demand.

“We believe in London’s long-term growth potential and are confident that the underlying value for this waterfront site.

“Working with Lendlease, our vision is to invest significantly into the infrastructure around the site and create a completely new and creative neighbourhood that meets consumer demand, reinvigorates London’s East End and delivers for our investors.”

Rival bidder Indian conglomerate Essel Group had also submitted proposals to the Greater London Authority to purchase the site with plans  for a major world class visitor attraction, hotel and leisure complex to celebrate India’s culture and history.

The firm planned to work in partnership with HPW Architects and Mace on its project which has now fallen by the wayside.

A Silvertown Partnership spokesperson said: “We are very proud of the success of The Silvertown Partnership in unlocking the potential of Silvertown to deliver much needed homes; including affordable homes and thousands of jobs for Londoners.

“That vision for Silvertown is now being delivered with the planning consent for 7m sq ft secured and Millennium Mills’ future safeguarded.

“We wish TSP and its new owners LendLease and Starwood the very best in continuing the regeneration of the area.”

Indian conglomerate Essel Group started talks earlier this year about taking over development rights for the 62 acre site from the Silvertown Partnership consortium of Chelsfield Properties, First Base and Macquarie Capital.

Essel has lined up a raft of construction partners including Mace, Multiplex, Kier and Ardmore to work on site plans created by HPW Architecture.

But the proposals are now being held up due to a contractual row with site owners the Greater London Authority (GLA).

The delay has prompted a broadside from Essel chairman Dr Subhash Chandra.

He said: “Since the EU referendum, I have watched the Brexit negotiations with cautious optimism, encouraged by the government’s pledge to improve the accessibility of trade with India through the new India-UK Trade Partnership, and by initiatives such as the Mayor of London’s #LondonIsOpen campaign.

“It has been my long-held ambition to build at least three major cultural centres in the world, the first in London, in the Royal Docks, and then in the United States and Asia, that will be dedicated to helping all nations explore peaceful solutions to the current threats facing humanity.

“As part of this regeneration of Silvertown Quays, we have also committed to build 3,500 homes, 35% of which will be affordable housing.

“This is the kind of investment the Mayor’s campaign aims to achieve – one that shows London is united with the world and proud of its history.

“I am deeply disappointed, therefore, that Essel Group has been prevented from having our visionary proposal formally tabled to the Greater London Authority, the owners of the site.

“The GLA, while privately praising our plan, says it cannot formally present it to the Mayor without the authority of The Silvertown Partnership.

“This defies logic because Silvertown is publicly owned land and this approach suggests that the commercial interests of the developers are being put ahead of what is best for London.

“The Silvertown Partnership require the approval of the GLA before they can proceed with a rival offer from another party to develop Silvertown.

“For common sense to prevail, the GLA must seize this opportunity to consider credible alternatives.

“As such, we remain hopeful that the British government and the Mayor of London will not allow this important investment into London to be lost.”

The firm has entered into a Master Development Agreement with Southwark Council and submitted an outline planning application for the Canada Water Masterplan.

The planning submission also includes a detailed planning application for the project’s first three buildings, which include workspace, homes and a new leisure centre.

The three buildings are part of a major first phase of the development covering a total of 1.8msq ft of mixed use space, comprising one million sq ft of workspace, 250,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space and 650 homes.

Subject to planning approvals, construction of the first buildings will begin in spring 2019.

The wider Masterplan is expected to deliver up to 3,000 new homes, two million sq ft of workspace and one million sq ft of retail, leisure, entertainment and community space including proposed health and social infrastructure, and educational uses for all ages.

Roger Madelin, Head of Canada Water Development, British Land, said: “Submission of our planning application for the Canada Water Masterplan marks an important milestone in the delivery of this project.

“Drawing on our experience of creating vibrant, mixed-use places across the capital, this major urban centre at Canada Water will provide an exciting place to live, work and visit, delivering high quality design, active spaces and significant economic and social benefits for the local community.

“We have worked closely with Southwark Council and the local community of Canada Water to achieve this important first step, and will continue to work with them to deliver a low carbon, energy efficient neighbourhood.

“We will put health and wellbeing at the heart of our plans to ensure the buildings and spaces we create encourage and support healthy lives.”

Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “It is fantastic to see this project moving forward.

“British Land have done great work to consult and engage with local people and the resulting Masterplan will deliver what local people want to see, including a guaranteed 35% affordable housing split 70% social rent and 30% shared ownership in the first phase, new retail spaces and job opportunities, education and health facilities and a brand new leisure centre.”

The 53 acre site comprises Surrey Quays Shopping and Leisure, the SE16 Printworks, the Dock Offices and the former Rotherhithe Police Station.

The Masterplan envisages a mix of uses and innovative public spaces designed for a range of ages, incomes and life stages.

The buildings, set around water and green public spaces, will together create a vibrant destination where people can live, work and be entertained throughout the day and into the evening.

On completion, the Masterplan will be home to approximately 20,000 jobs with thousands of people working on site during construction, including apprenticeships and training.

A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of the year.

Cladding on the building failed safety tests in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy and worried leaseholders were facing having to pay the costs themselves.

But Barratt has now stepped forward following discussions with the government.

The company said it will cover future and backdated costs relating to employing a fire warden and the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding from the building.

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid, said: “I applaud Barratt Developments’ decision to cover the costs of fire safety works.

“They have listened to the concerns of Citiscape residents, engaged with government and have done the right thing.

“Other building owners and house builders in the private sector should follow the example set by Barratt Developments to protect leaseholders from costs and begin essential fire safety works.

“I want to see all leaseholders in this position get the peace of mind they deserve and I am keeping this under review.”

The development at 21 Moorfields will be the new headquarters for Deutsche Bank, which agreed to take most of the space contigent on planning being granted.

Landsec had already committed to construct the substructure, which is due to complete in March 2019 and now expects that construction will continue straight through to practical completion, anticipated in November 2021.

Landsec says the new building will contain twice the quantity of steel in the Eiffel Tower

Colette O’Shea, Managing Director, London Portfolio, Landsec, said: “We welcome the resolution to grant planning permission and look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Deutsche Bank and the City of London Corporation to deliver this strategically important site.”

Chris Hayward, Planning and Transportation Committee Chairman, City of London Corporation, said: “With the Elizabeth line supporting the creation of an estimated 63,000 jobs in the City of London and Isle of Dogs, this office, located above a future station, fits in well with the City’s ambitions for growth.

“Deutsche Bank’s move demonstrates a high level of confidence in the City of London as a leader in financial and professional services. The City Corporation remains committed to supporting businesses with an additional 1.37m sq m of office space under construction that has the potential to accommodate 85,000 workers.”