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31 October 2007
A planning application has been submitted for a multi-million pound, mixed-use project in Catford, South East London. The project, led by development partners Countryside Properties and Hyde Housing Association (part of the Hyde Group) in association with English Partnerships, is intended to transform the former Catford Greyhound Stadium site into a thriving new community.
The 4.25 hectare site, located to the west of Catford town centre, was closed in 2003. National regeneration agency English Partnerships acquired the land as part of the London-Wide Initiative (LWI), a Government-backed scheme to fast-track more affordable homes for key workers throughout London.
The development partners have worked closely with their professional team, which includes leading architects, Hunters & Partners and planning consultants Savills to develop plans which propose almost 600 homes, ranging from one and two bedroom flats to three and four bedroom family homes. 35% of these will be affordable properties and a further 22% will offer low cost key worker accommodation.
The Ravensbourne River area, which borders the southern end of the site, is also to be completely remodelled. Set between Catford and Catford Bridge railway stations this section will consist of a new pedestrian square with approximately 700 square metres of shops and offices creating a new station gateway for visitors coming into Catford. A striking "Gateway" building is proposed to create a strong physical edge to the scheme whilst encouraging people through to the currently underused park.
A new footbridge will be constructed across the railway line and pedestrian and cycle routes will be extended through the scheme into the parkland to the north and across the footbridge to the east in order to link the existing community directly to the town centre in Catford.
The development partners have worked together to create a sustainable scheme which has been designed to be self-sufficient and consists of a CHP (Combined Heat & Power) Energy Centre with biomass back-up, which would provide all of the heat and power required for the entire development.
Michael Hill, Business Development Director at Countryside Properties, said: "We have worked closely with our design team on the plans for this scheme to ensure that we create an environment that is sustainable for generations to come and integrates wholly with the existing community. It is imperative that the proposals reflect the vision for Catford town centre and we believe this is one of the first steps towards achieving this goal."
Ian Hagger, Director of Development at the Hyde Group, said: "We're delighted to be working on this scheme as it will form an integral part of the LWI by providing an excellent range of affordable housing including shared ownership and key worker homes. We feel this scheme responds to the housing needs of the borough and its unique position will encourage increased usage of public transport, contributing to the wider environmental aspirations of central Government."
Steve Oakes, English Partnerships, said: "This first-class scheme, which incorporates a mixture of private and affordable homes, will create a truly diverse community and address the recognised housing and regeneration needs of the surrounding area."
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Hyde Group is a leading provider of affordable housing and makes a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and improving people's quality of life. Hyde is one of the largest housing association groups working in England, owning or managing over 30,000 homes in London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, the East of England and East Midlands. More about The Hyde Group can be found at: www.hyde-housing.co.uk
English Partnerships is the government's national regeneration agency delivering high quality, sustainable growth in England. Information on projects and programmes can be found at www.englishpartnerships.co.uk
English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation are working with the Department for Communities and Local Government to establish the proposed Homes and Communities Agency.
The London-Wide Initiative (LWI) is a government-backed scheme managed by English Partnerships which enables key workers to buy their own homes. English Partnerships has purchased range of 15 development sites across inner and greater London to deliver new, affordable homes in collaboration with the Housing Corporation. Under the Initiative the government shares the costs and the benefits of homeownership with purchasers in order to make these homes more affordable.
The LWI will deliver up to 4,500 homes of which around 1,500 will be available for key workers. Three development partners have been selected to work with English Partnerships; First Base, Key London Alliance and a consortium led by Countryside Properties plc.
Hunter & Partners is a leading architectural practice primarily working within residential, workplace, health and education in both the private and public sectors. Our team of over 150 people bring together architecture, project management, building consultancy and employers agents. To find out more, visit www.hunters.co.uk
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Information correct as at 05/11/2007