October 2012 Archives

Architecture's influence over popular culture

By Paul Wellman on October 31, 2012 10:55 AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks

What's the link between these two buildings? The Shard and One Hyde Park... with...

these... a pair of Nike Air Max, one of the most iconic brands in recent popular culture.

Well, if it wasn't for Renzo Piano and Lord Rogers, architects of the Shard and One Hyde Park respectively, the Nike Air Max and trainers specifically with the 'bubble' of air in the sole may never have been invented. How comes? Well this short film about an architect come shoe designer for Nike, who was inspired by the Pompidou Centre in Paris, designed together by Rogers and Piano, should explain it.

Apparently the concept of the Pompidou Centre where the internal functioning structures of the building are presented on the exterior, influenced the shoe designer to expose the air cushion, make it visual and to let people see inside.

Potential population changes across London

By John on October 31, 2012 10:19 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

We blogged earlier this month about some census information relating to the populations of London boroughs and how they compare to cities across the UK (link). Below is a heatmap using this census information along with some of our data about planning consents in London.

We've examined the number of private units with planning consent across all London boroughs and multiplied by 2.47 (the average household across London according to the census). This figure was then expressed as a percentage of the current population, resulting in the heatmap above.

Whilst this isn't the most academically rigorous approach it does give an indication of where developers have focused their attention for the future.

You can click on the boroughs to see the underlying data, or click here for a larger version of the map.

Embassy Gardens update...

By Paul Wellman on October 30, 2012 11:00 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Following on from my Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea update blog and the more detailed look at the first scheme to come through; Riverlight, here's another more in depth look at the next of those major schemes that will be coming forward; Embassy Gardens.

Enabling works across the site look to be under way in conjunction with the US Embassy, which this site will wrap around. As previously noted, infrastructure and specifically the Northern Line extension will be a big factor in the successful outcome of the whole area, which isn't a definite as yet. However, Ballymore and Embassy Gardens will arguably benefit from the security of knowing the US Embassy will be built. No ifs, no buts, the Embassy will be built and it will open on the 4th of July, 2017. Here you can see below a lot of construction taking place, with site preparation and utility works well under way. Expect a Q1 2013 construction start.

Here's a model of part of the development to the south of the new embassy and Ponton Road. Architects pointed out (not that they really needed too) that the design takes its inspiration much from the US and in particular New York's meatpacking district.

Here's a sneak peak inside the show room on site... (click on images to enlarge)

and the lifestyle you will be buying in to. Did I mention New York?

EGi subscribers can view the building record for Embassy Gardens here.

Riverlight progress...

By Paul Wellman on October 30, 2012 10:08 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Following on from my Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea blog post and how the whole project seems to be moving in the right direction, here's a more in depth look at one of the major schemes, St James' Riverlight.

Forgoing The Tower at St George Wharf, which benefits from being a stones through from Vauxhall's highly accessible tube network, this is the first scheme to come forward. And fair play to St James for taking the leap as at the moment the site is fairly isolated. Development Director of St James, Matthew Townend was quick to highlight this point by stating theirs was the first detailed application within VNEB and therefore arguably passed through more scrutiny of the emerging planning policy. It also comes way before key infrastructure is in place and the certainty that will bring.

With that, here's progress as of Friday with the first two phases racing up (first phase on the right at 6 storeys, second phase on the left at 4 storeys). These two blocks will complete in August 2014, with full completion of the whole site in 2017. Apparently sales have been going extremely well with average price per sq ft values across the board a little over £1,000.

The third and fourth phases are also well under way. This shot was taken from within the marketing suite, with the second phase on the far right. Foundations and basement levels look complete, with these probably rising above the hoardings in not too long a time from now.

And from road level.

Below is a model of the completed scheme, which is very similar to both NEO Bankside and One Hyde Park. Architect of all these schemes, Richard Rogers, has been at the forefront of design that puts structural support on the outside of the building, so that it frees up more space to sell within. This form of design follows on from some of his previous work including the Lloyds building and famously the Pompidou in Paris. Speaking of the Pompidou did you know it inspired Nike Air Max trainers and specifically the bubble of air found in the sole? No? Link here.

The View from the Shard...

By Paul Wellman on October 29, 2012 4:44 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

...will set you back £25. It opens in February and you can pre-book now. With last weeks weather of severe fog though, I'm not sure I'd want to pre-book that far in advance. I reckon you'll be much better off leaving it until its open and queuing with the foresight of knowing the weather, but there you go. Details here.

Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea. It's starting to happen...

By Paul Wellman on October 29, 2012 2:20 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Here at The Pint of Mlik Test, we've written extensively on the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area. In short it will be 16,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs across 195 hectares; an extension to the Northern line and a linear park (inspired by New York's high line) running from Vauxhall to a redeveloped Battersea Power Station. See here, here and here.

With that in mind, I went along to an excellent and informative NLA on location event last week in order to find out how the project is progressing. The 'Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea - Development update' was kicked off by Sir Edward Lister (Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Planning at the GLA) and had a number of speakers from developers, local authorities, architects as well as TfL (for the all important infrastructure news).

The big overriding story to come through from the day was that from the borough perspectives most of the work is done. This is in the sense that planning policy is in place, most of the sites with development potential have come forward and are in the most, consented. Along with that another key point made by most speakers was the collaborative effort being made. With 13 different landowners this is obviously imperative. Edward Lister stated a "true partnership/cooperation model has been created" which will be replicated across the capital and so therefore is vitally important for replication.

Most agree that the potential benefit of this area is huge. However the realisation of the whole masterplan is somewhat dependant on the Northern Line Extension. Alex Williams from TfL confirmed that the next round of consultation starts today in fact, where 40,000 households will be consulted, with much more detail than previously. An application for the NLE is expected to be submitted early next year after it goes to the respective borough cabinets in January.

The total infrastructure cost across the VNEB area equals £1.059bn, 70% of which is the NLE. This will come in two main sources, the combined S106/CIL revenue as well as the new EZ status, which is supported in principle by government and needs to be agreed by April 2013. The total amount of S106 revenue confirmed thus far is £381,053,763 which will of course come through in stages. Meeting the infrastructure needs is the main challenge for the VNEB Partnership with some works being delayed further down the line which aren't thought as vital as others.

And whilst we're on the subject of infrastructure, here's the first of it under way with Ponton Road having moved around 100m to the south in order for the American Embassy to be built (which opens 4th July 2017). Works are currently on going and should be complete for Ballymore's Embassy Gardens to kick off early next year. Also notice Riverlight by St James, in the right of the picture with the first two phases racing out of the ground.

Here's a quick summary of the main schemes. LRR subscribers can click on the scheme name to go through to the building record on EGi.

Battersea Power Station

Detailed first phase granted in December.
Construction of sales and marketing suite on site has commenced.
Posssible Q4 2013 start for first phase.

New Covent Garden Market

S106 signed last week (EGi News).
Contract negotiation 2013
Construction start 2014

Royal Mail site

Enabling works to start soon. Working towards vacant possession.

Riverlight

First 2 phases complete in Q2 2014.
Average selling price over £1,000 sq ft.

Eastbury House

S106 to be signed off by year end.
Start mid 2013.

Hampton house

Application to be submitted next month.
Start end of 2013, (everything going well).

Spring Mews

Demolition has commenced.
Start Q1 2013 with completion scheduled for 2015.

Vauxhall Square

Tenants vacate end of 2014.
Potential start (stp) early 2015, with 2020 completion.

St George Tower

Topped out on Wednesday (24th October).
Full completion with 'fit-out' due for Q3 2013.
90% sold.

Embassy Gardens

Enabling works under way.
Full construction start early 2013.
"Phenomenally successful sales" so far.

New pedestrian bridge

Likely to cost around £30m
Location option, November 2012.
Demand analysis, February 2013.
Engineering feasibility, Summer 2013.
Design competition.
To be built post-2020 (cost to come from DIF pot).

R Durtnell and Sons

By Nigel on October 26, 2012 12:36 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

is the oldest building firm in the country. They've been at it since 1591, that's 13 consecutive uninterrupted generations. When they started this is one of their first developments:

Poundsbridge Manor in Kent. More details here.

Restoring London's Rivers

By Safia Altamash on October 25, 2012 12:13 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

The New London Architecture today hosted a breakfast talk that was slightly different from its usual agenda entitled, Restoring London's Rivers. Both London's existing and 'lost' rivers (such as the River Fleet), have played a crucial role in the development of the city over time, and still continue to do so. Even more so with an increasing allure in waterside developments, it seems as every bit of the capital's waterways are being seen as a prime investment opportunity for development. It is for this reason and perhaps the realisation of the loss of healthy environmental spaces due to the neglect and abandonment of our rivers, that many are now beginning to be restored.

One of my favourite case studies that were talked about this morning was that of Ladywell Fields and the restoration of the River Ravensbourne in Lewisham. Although the restoration was not a result of the natural occurrences of nature, but in fact engineered with the river being artificially widened, its benefits have been immense. The area was previously underused and deemed unsafe by most (44% of users felt unsafe there - The River Restoration Centre, 2009). Not only has the restoration now reduced the fear of crime, improved the habitat and wildlife within the area, but is has also resulted in an improved space in the greater urban context for the wider community to enjoy together. Boris Johnson praises the restoration stating that 'the rejuvenation of Ladywell Fields means the area is an oasis of calm for people to socialise and relax in'. More information on the River Ravensbourne Restoration can be found here.

Old Oak Common and future possibilities

By Paul Wellman on October 25, 2012 11:24 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One of the biggest issues to come out of the Place West London Conference this week for me was that of the opportunity at Old Oak Common and more importantly how this could be missed by sheer short sightedness from the government.

Hammersmith & Fulham along with masterplanner Sir Terry Farrell showed off their plans last year for what could become the largest regeneration project the capital has ever seen. However these plans aren't really plans at all, they're just capacity studies. Done in order to show the scope of what is possible for the site. 100,000 jobs and 19,000 homes apparently!

Why now then? Well, it's all down to infrastructure as it so often is. High Speed 2 is scheduled to stop and the council is pushing for a Crossrail station. Below is an image of the plans from HS2 for an interchange with the proposed Crossrail station. Why is a Crossrail interchange needed? Simply because Euston wouldn't be able to cope as the terminus for HS2 and nor would the Victoria line. By providing an interchange passengers are then able to filter out across the tube network.

Thanks to London Reconnections for the above photo.

The HS2 plans however don't allow for over site development. Surely a missed trick in this day and age? Below is Sir Terry Farrell's masterplan for Kowloon Station in Hong Kong, he designed in the 90's. It has double the amount of over-site development than Canary Wharf.

Now I'm not suggesting we need the amount of density in the image above, but let's just imagine for a minute that HS2 does go ahead, as well as a spur for Crossrail when it's realised that Euston can't cope. Nick Botterill from LB H&F states the station will serve double the amount of passengers than Clapham Common and the same as Waterloo, becoming one of the top 5 busiest stations in the UK.

Below is the promo video from Hammersmith & Fulham and Sir Terry Farrell that shows the possibility of the area. The good news from LB H&F and the GLA is that HS2 are now talking to them (albeit reluctantly by the sounds of it) about making over-site development a possibility. Don't get your hopes up just yet though. The conversation is on going and the the government apparently still need to be convinced to pause, so that a wider aspiration can be achieved. As Richard Barnes, Chairman of Place West London pointed out, how is it until only very recently that HS2 are talking to the GLA? What must it be like for anyone else to have any dialogue with them? Absolutely impossible.

And as Daniel Moylan, another speaker from Place West London stated, a third runway at Heathrow will be just a sticking plaster. We need to think 40, 50 years ahead, something we don't do enough of in this country. Over-site development at a Crossrail/HS2 interchange is a no-brainer, (they've done it in Shoreditch!)

To see LB H&F and Sir Terry Farrell's indicative plans follow this link

Place West London

By Paul Wellman on October 24, 2012 2:23 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Yesterday I went along to the excellent fourth instalment of Place West London; an annual conference on the development and regeneration sector of West London. With speakers from a whole range of sectors and updates from the players behind big schemes including Earls Court, Wembley, White City, Nine Elms and Hayes the day gave a great insight in to the challenges and the state of the market, which I will try to summarise.

The day kicked off with a number of keynote speakers including Stephen Hammond MP, (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DfT), Daniel Moylan, (Mayoral advisor and TfL Board Member) as well as Lord Clive Soley (Campaign director of Future Heathrow). Unsurprisingly then, the debate centred on transport and infrastructure and more specifically aviation policy (or lack of). Arguments were heard for both the expansion of Heathrow as well as a new airport in the Thames Estuary. However, consensus was agreed between all that government needs to seriously act now, instead of kicking the debate into touch, until after the next election, when it will then be too late.

Nine Elms

As we all know the scope of this project (or projects; 27 independent schemes so far and counting) is huge. 195 hectares, 16,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs, with £1bn of infrastructure.
The good news. 2,000 resi units under construction with some '"imminent starts" including Embassy Gardens, Vauxhall Sq/Spring Mews, Eastbury House and hopefully phase1 of Battersea Power Station. New planning application for redesign to Hampton House expected in Mid-November, designed by Foster + Partners.
The challenges. As a market, VNEB is still not really understood. The area is somewhat reliant on market conditions and maintaining confidence. The main challenge is infrastructure, including the tube line extension. £500m is expected to come from CIL receipts, although delivered over a long period. Therefore delivering infrastructure at the right time is a huge challenge. A highly organised collaborative effort between 27 different stakeholders is a must.

Wembley

8.7m sq ft of permitted development across 85 acres with planning consent for 5,500 homes (10-20% affordable).
Recent completions include 600+ student bed scheme and 306 bed Hilton Hotel.
London Designer Outlet aso under construction and due to complete in October 2013. This 360,000 sq ft scheme is 45% let and has key anchors in place.
The first residential plot to come forward will be NW01; a 400 unit scheme which is apparently around a year away to take to the market.

Other bits of note

S106 relating to Kodak site in Harrow should be signed off within the month (everything going well).
Harrow's CIL charges to come in to force, June 2013 with a charge of £110 for residential.
Nice fact relating to Cathedral Group's Old Vinyl Factory site in Hayes is that every Beatles record, ever pressed says 'Made in Hayes' on it. Pretty cool eh!
Some imaginative temporary uses also appear to be taking place at the Old Vinyl Factory, whilst Hillingdon decide upon the application. Check them out here

Reflections in the City

By Safia Altamash on October 22, 2012 10:43 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Recently we blogged here about LRR's fruitless search for the reflection of St Stephen's Walbrook church on the Rothschild Headquarters, in the City. Whilst driving through the City this weekend I happened to glance at the said building and discovered that the mythical reflection did in fact exist!

Not the best picture from a moving car - but it if you squint hard enough you can see it towards the bottom near the dome.

Oldest surviving terraced housing in London

By Daniel Smith on October 16, 2012 8:40 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

The next time you pass through Newington Green in N16 take a moment to stop outside numbers 52 to 55. Situated on the west side of the green, here you will find the oldest surviving example of terraced brick housing in London - if not the UK. This is according to English Heritage, who also describe it as "one of the most remarkable groups of 17th-Century buildings in London". The properties are being considered for a Blue Plaque (which seems a no-brainer really!).

Number 55 has been restored and is currently on the market through Cluttons at £1,795,000.

Newington Green has a lot of history behind it, including having links to Oliver Cromwell. The Sunday Times (Brick & Mortar 21/9/12) has the full story.

Photo courtesy of Cluttons

London vs The UK

By Paul Wellman on October 11, 2012 3:11 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Everyone's heard the saying "when America sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold". That saying could not be more apt for our time and the same could arguably be said for London and the UK. London dominates the UK, both culturally as well as economically. More than that though, it dominates in terms of population with no other UK city getting anywhere near it.

This is shown in the fusion table below. A hat tip has to go to a similar one done by The Economist, comparing US states with countries (also worth a look at, here). The interactive map shows the populations of London boroughs and matches them to the nearest equivalent city. Not always straight forward due to the lack of a comparable city, some boroughs like Croydon have two cities combined.

Note: Data taken from recent ONS 2011 census data.

To paraphrase Evan Davis on his BBC2 programme Built in Britain on Monday who asked, "are we going to end up with Britain having its major city as London, or end up with London having a surrounding suburb called Britain?"...

The second of those questions looking at the above could arguably be already true.

Ladderswood Estate Regeneration

By Safia Altamash on October 4, 2012 10:52 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

A planning application has been submitted to Enfield Council for the regeneration of the Ladderswood Estate in New Southgate (N11). The first project to be undertaken as part of Enfield Council's New Southgate Master plan, it will be carried out as a joint venture between Enfield Council, Mulalley & Co and One Housing Group. The 1970's estate is currently in a state of disrepair with a 'high proportion of the residential flats being vacant and some not presently fit for occupation' (Planning Statement, Sept 2012). The redevelopment will see four of the six existing buildings demolished and rebuilt; with the remaining two refurbished, to provide a total of 571 residential units, an increase from the existing 161 units. 368 of these units will be for private sale and 149 dedicated to affordable housing. The development will also provide a 80 room hotel development, industrial commercial space and community and leisure space. Subject to planning permission, work on the estate aims to begin in the spring of 2012 with occupations beginning by spring/summer 2014. DHA is acting as planning consultants and the architects are Pollard Thomas Edwards. See here for the application.

Image courtesy of Ladderswood Regeneration 2012

The future apartment?

By Paul Wellman on October 1, 2012 3:30 PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks

Readers of Estates Gazette would have seen an interview with Simon Woodroffe of Dragons Den fame in last weeks mag (22 September). The entrepreneur behind yo! sushi and more recently yo! hotel recently announced plans for arguably his most ambitious project to date; 'yo! home'.

His idea, which incidentally took its inspiration from theatre set design, is for moving walls and ceilings, so as to reconfigure living spaces at the touch of a button. He stated the idea could "revolutionise the apartment around the world for the first time since its invention". A fairly bold statement I think you'll agree.

I admire the ambition and the concept however I still have my doubts. What happens when say someone wants to go to bed and another wants to stay up and watch television? Maybe it would only work for single households?

Could you live in a space like this? Are you even minimalist enough for it to work? What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment below.

EGi subscribers can read the interview here.

« September 2012 | Main Index | Archives | November 2012 »

The London residential market is closely monitored by EGi’s team of dedicated experts, from the planning and construction pipeline to sales and pricing, we cover the whole of the capital, all 33 boroughs.

Don’t miss an opportunity, find pre-planning, stalled and oven ready sites.

Residential Update – August 2012

We take a look at the inner boroughs at the mid-year point from the applications and permissions in the planning pipeline, the starts and completions in the construction pipeline and ending with a flavour of the sales and pricing situation.

Red Book Executive Summary – May 2012

An in-depth review of the current state of the London residential development market across all 33 London boroughs from planning and construction pipeline to sales and pricing.

October 2012 Archives

Architecture's influence over popular culture

Potential population changes across London

Embassy Gardens update...

Riverlight progress...

The View from the Shard...

Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea. It's starting to happen...

R Durtnell and Sons

Restoring London's Rivers

Old Oak Common and future possibilities

Place West London

Reflections in the City

Oldest surviving terraced housing in London

London vs The UK

Ladderswood Estate Regeneration

The future apartment?

Monthly Archives

Pages

Subscribe to EG

Search

About this Archive

October 2012 Archives

Monthly Archives

Pages

Subscribe to EG

Search

About this Archive

Other Focus Bloggers

Other EG Bloggers

Other Focus Bloggers

Other EG Bloggers