Wates Construction has been appointed by the London Borough of Camden to deliver the latest phase in a three-phased mixed-use regeneration project near Abbey Road
The £10m regeneration project, procured through SCAPE, will create a two-storey structure on designated open space off Belsize Road. It will house a new community centre on the ground floor, including a dedicated garden, creche, hall and various spaces for classes, as well as a healthcare centre on the first floor.
The new facility on Belsize Road will provide a new, merged site for the existing Abbey Community Centre and Belsize Priory Medical Practice into a new community hub.
Their current sites will eventually be demolished to make way for new affordable and private homes in phase three currently in design.
The building’s design will use brick, timber and glass to ensure it complements its surrounding green open space, which will be carefully landscaped and include a new play area.
The scheme will be targeted to a BREEAM rating of Excellent, and its unique timber glulam façade will be manufactured using offsite engineering.
Wates has already played a large part in delivering the wider Abbey area regeneration, with the firm completing phase one in February 2019 – which saw the demolition of an underused multi-storey car park to deliver the first 141 new homes and additional commercial space.
Phase two
The works form phase two of a wider regeneration programme currently being spearheaded by the council – The Abbey Area Masterplan – which aims to bring 241 energy-efficient homes, including new council and affordable homes, and revitalised community facilities to Camden.
Phase two is the latest Wates build to be delivered through SCAPE Construction, a direct award framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects.
The contractor is already working on similar regeneration projects for Incrementum – Warrington Council’s housing development arm – and Burlington Close in Hounslow.
As a SCAPE project, ensuring it delivers a positive lasting legacy is key to delivery.
Planning has been approved with final completion expected April 2022.
Rising to the community’s evolving needs
Richard Shroll regional managing director for London Residential at Wates Construction, said: “The Abbey area regeneration is a landmark investment for Camden and phase two is a vital part of its success.
“The brand new community hub and medical centre will be the cornerstone of the entire project – offering a place for locals to socialise, exercise and receive wellbeing support for years to come – as well as providing vital learning and employment opportunities throughout its build.
“As we’ve already worked with Camden on the delivery of phase one, we have a strong working relationship with the council and fully understand the importance of regenerating this iconic area of London.
“We look forward to starting on site, and completing this exciting, ambitious build for the borough and its residents.”
Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, added: “The pandemic has brought the value of local services and facilities sharply into focus, placing a renewed importance on the health and unity of communities.
“The new community and health centre, and vital outdoor space that is going to be delivered, rises to the community’s evolving needs.
“With the support of our framework, London Borough of Camden and Wates Construction are set to accelerate the delivery of a significant phase of the regeneration masterplan and, in turn, provide a modern community asset that has the people of Camden at its heart.
“A successful economic recovery will start from the ground up and be driven by communities – this project is helping to lay the groundwork for that.”
Other delivery partners include Ikon Consultancy, CBRE, architects AHR, landscape architects Fabrik, engineering partner Stantec and building services engineers Norman Bromley Partnership.
