Orbit has appointed Wates Residential to help deliver its proposed £73 million regeneration of a Bexley housing estate in London.
Orbit has appointed Wates Residential to help deliver its proposed £73 million regeneration of a Bexley housing estate in London.
Following their successful regeneration of Larner Road into the award winning Erith Park in Bexley, 40,000-home housing association Orbit, is now proposing to redevelop the neighbouring Arthur Street estate.
Built in the late 1960s, Arthur Street consists of three 13 storey tower blocks and a number of low rise blocks providing 263 one and two bed flats with some three bed maisonettes. Despite substantial investment since the transfer from the London Borough of Bexley in 1998, many components are now failing and the blocks no longer meet modern standards.
The proposed new scheme will feature around 280 new homes, of which 80% will be for affordable rent and shared ownership with associated parking and public open space.
Wates will manage the design process and build of the new homes.
Maggie McCann, development director at Orbit, said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Wates.
“We want the Arthur Street estate to be a great place to live now and for future generations. The regeneration of Arthur Street looks beyond bricks and mortar and will encourage an inclusive community for people who wish to work in London and live in a neighbourly community.”
Orbit’s plans for the regeneration of Arthur Street, are also set to benefit from over £10 million awarded through the government’s Estate Regeneration Fund and the Greater London Authority’s Affordable Homes Programme.
Paul Nicholls, regional managing director, added: “The regeneration of the Larner Road Estate and subsequent development of Erith Park is the perfect example of what good really looks like with both the area and community having seen a vast improvement in their surroundings and Erith Park becoming a highly desirable place to live.
“Wates’ relationship with Orbit has gone from strength to strength, working collaboratively as one team. It also reinforces how well the partnership is doing and the team on site at Erith Park should be commended. We very much look forward to continuing the good work and seeing the ongoing transformation at Erith.”
The partnership has also announced the appointment of international architectural practice, HKR Architects, who will deliver the masterplan and design of the scheme.
Director Geoff Brocklehurst added: “We are absolutely delighted to be appointed by Orbit and Wates. The regeneration of this estate is extremely important for Erith and will symbolise the continued commitment to transform local neighbourhoods into better and safer places which people are proud to live in.”
In the coming months Orbit and Wates Residential will consult with the local community before submitting a planning application to London Borough of Bexley in summer 2018.