CASE STUDIES
Woodberry down regeneration project
Working for the co-ordinating developer, Berkeley Homes, Neil led the creation and subsequent approval of a masterplan that integrated over 5,500 new private and affordable homes amongst a diverse range of commercial and community uses.
Woodberry Down, which occupies a 64-acre site adjacent to two large reservoirs and Finsbury Park, was an existing estate owned and managed by Hackney Council. Through a comprehensive partnership with the Council, Notting Hill Genesis, the local community and the GLA, a new sustainable, thriving neighbourhood is being created that offers high-quality residences, exemplary public spaces, as well as new commercial and community facilities.
In spite of an initial groundswell of local opposition, a comprehensive programme of dialogue and collaboration with the local community was implemented to move the scheme opponents to a significant level of support, even though the proposed scheme density was increasing by over 20%. A general prevailing height of 7 storeys had been proposed but Neil worked with a range of stakeholders to secure support for increased heights of up to 31 storeys.
This multi-award winning project stands as a testament to working in collaboration with local residents to shape a scheme to deliver exceptional outcomes that positively impact the built environment.
Image: Woodberry Down Kick Start 3, designed by Rolfe Judd Architects
(c) Hufton & Crow
Anthology deptford foundry
As project lead for Anthology, Neil oversaw the transformation of a previously redundant industrial estate into a remarkable new development boasting 320 private and affordable homes, alongside over 30,000sqft of artist studio space.
The overarching vision was focused on bringing significant benefit to the wider community by creating a sustainable pedestrian and cycle link, connecting a large established residential area with a key public open space that previously did not exist. In addition, Neil's meticulous approach to ensuring a seamless interaction between the residential component of the development and the artist studio space has created a vibrant neighbourhood that allows the range of uses to work together in harmony.
Through discussion and negotiation with the Planning Authority and the GLA, it was agreed that a reduced level of affordable housing (13%) would be acceptable to accommodate the provision of the studio space, adding much needed employment activity to the area.
The site is bounded by an elevated railway line to the north and a London Overground line to the south necessitating a complex delivery solution in full compliance with comprehensive Asset Protection Agreements.
The project received unanimous support from Lewisham Council's Planning Committee and has since won a range of awards for design excellence and customer satisfaction.
Image: Anthology Deptford Foundry, designed by Rolfe Judd Architects
(c) Hufton & Crow
ROYAL ARSENAL RIVERSIDE, WOOLWICH
The Royal Arsenal Riverside project represents a stunning transformation of the entire neighbourhood, thoughtfully linking the historic Woolwich town centre to the River Thames through the construction of high-quality, aesthetically refined buildings carefully situated around expansive, landscaped spaces.
As a key member of the development team, Neil successfully co-ordinated a contemporary, mixed-use masterplan that incorporates residential, commercial, community and cultural spaces, parks, a riverside walkway, and a newly constructed Crossrail station located centrally within the development.
The site has been occupied by vacant, redundant warehouse buildings, some of which were listed, which was entirely severed from Woolwich town centre.
This exemplar development has won multiple awards for design quality as well as acting as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Woolwich and the surrounding area.
st john's road, tunbridge wells
Pegasus Life secured planning approval for the St John’s Road site, where 89 newly constructed retirement apartments with communal facilities were established on the edge of Tunbridge Wells town centre.
The primary objectives of the design were to create varied apartment types to accommodate the ageing population and allow them to maintain their independence, thus extending their local residency options.
The brownfield site was formerly occupied by a regional bus depot, and the design goal was to infuse the local area with renewed domestic charm. This was achieved by creating three new buildings, which were sensitively arranged around a landscaped garden to enhance street frontages while respecting neighbouring buildings' scale and massing.
Through this sensitive and innovative approach, the project was able to deliver a unique solution to meet the needs of the Tunbridge Wells community while remaining committed to the highest of design standards.
Neil led on the negotiation of easement agreements with a collection of neighbouring households before negotiating and agreeing the sale of the site to a specialist operator.