Work has begun on a 55-unit mixed residential scheme at Peabody’s historic Pimlico estate, Peabody Avenue.
Designed by award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins, the £10.1 million scheme will revive bomb-damaged or derelict parts of the estate with new housing (38 new homes for rent; 18 for shared ownership) and provide a mixture of different units including a new community hall.
Peabody worked with the HCA and Westminster Council to develop a bespoke lettings plan to free of some of the larger Victorian homes for families. Under-occupying residents will have the opportunity to transfer to smaller homes in the new development which will have lifts, lower bills, carpets and private balconies.
Extensive consultation was carried out with residents throughout the design process. As well as the much-needed community hall, the scheme will provide improved play and garden spaces for older and younger children, offices for the tenants’ association and the installation of a door entry system. Substantial re-landscaping of the whole estate will also take place.
Local resident Phyillis Murphy has lived in Peabody Avenue for more than 40 years. She said:
"I’m so happy that residents will get what they deserve. The improvements will make a fantastic difference. I’ve brought my children up here and my grandchildren are being brought up here. There’s a lovely family feeling here."
Two residential buildings as well as a block of garages at the south end of Peabody Avenue will be demolished. Construction of the new homes will take place on the site of the demolished structures. The existing City Guardians’ office at the north of the Avenue will be converted into a new three-bed family home.
Contractors Mansell, who delivered an award-winning Peabody development at Nile Street in Hackney in 2006, will carry out all works.
Principal Development Manager Claire Bennie said:
"We are delighted to have started both the new building and improvement works on one of our most distinctive Victorian estates. Residents have collaborated closely with us and our designers to arrive at a beautiful modern building to enrich the conservation area, as well as new green spaces to add colour and wildlife to the estate."
Constructed in 1875, Peabody Avenue and Close form their own conservation area, bounded by two other conservation areas, Thomas Cubitt’s Pimlico estate, and Powell and Moya’s Churchill Gardens.
The build scheme was approved unanimously by Westminster Council, with support from English Heritage and City of Westminster Housing Department.
Works are scheduled for completion in February 2011.
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For more information please contact Peabody's Media Relations Officer, Neil Young, on (020) 7021 4210 or via email.
About Peabody
Founded in 1862, Peabody is one of London’s largest social
landlords, owning or managing over 19,000 properties housing some
50,000 people. Peabody’s mission is to make London a city of
opportunity for all by ensuring as many people as possible have a good
home, a real sense of purpose and a strong feeling of belonging.
About Haworth Tompkins
Haworth Tompkins has established a reputation as one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, bringing an innovative approach to their work in housing, regeneration, education the arts and conservation.
Founded in 1991 by Graham Haworth and Steve Tompkins, the 35 strong London practice has completed many award winning housing and community regeneration projects including Iroko Housing for Coin Street Community Builders, the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, Alliance House in Newington Green and most recently a mixed use block in Liverpool One consisting of retail units, a crèche, flats and a landscaped courtyard. They are currently working on major new housing schemes with Lend Lease in Stratford, and Guinness Trust in Southwark, as well as education and arts projects for the Royal College of Art, the National Theatre, the London Library, Battersea Arts Centre and King Edward’s School in Birmingham.
For further information visit www.haworthtompkins.com , or contact Brian Yeats at brian.yeats@haworthtompkins.com or 020 7250 3225
About Mansell
Mansell is a construction partner of choice with national capability and regional delivery to the community. Through various procurement models with both public and private sector customers, the company develops long-term sustainable relationships in specific market sectors including affordable housing, education, health, defence, airports, commercial and interiors, culture and heritage.
For further information visit www.mansell.plc.uk , or contact Vickie Hall at vhall@mansell.plc.uk or 020 8655 5354
