Councillor Lib Peck, Leader of Lambeth Council, today led the Ground Breaking for St James' development on the Albert Embankment. The sites, made up of The Corniche and Merano Residences, mark the transformation of a key central London riverside location and a new phase in the regeneration of Vauxhall.
Previously a brownfield piece of land of 0.5 ha., the area will be transformed into a hub of offices, residential and retail units. St James is building 208 homes, designed by two of Britain's leading architectural practices, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Fosters + Partners. This includes 84 affordable homes specifically designed for senior living.
Over 25% of the jobs on site have gone to local people from Lambeth, with 27 apprentices in training. Nearly a thousand pupils from local schools have either visited the sites already or been involved in workshops or career fairs, using it as a place to learn.
St James is developing a cultural strategy to help transform the Albert Embankment into a location visited and enjoyed by the public and residents alike. The company has invested a total of £5.9 million in local cultural initiatives already and the full plans will be announced later this year.
St James has also provided funding for the Vauxhall City Farm to build brand new facilities as well as additional social housing for Lambeth residents. The plan will result in eight larger homes for social rent, with more rooms overall, just around the corner at the farm. The project has been developed in conjunction by Aseem Sheikh the Managing Director of Base Associates which is a Vauxhall based architecture and design practice.
The Corniche, due to complete in 2017, comprises 168 residences offering a collection of suites, one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses, along with 84 affordable homes for senior living. A comprehensive range of residents' amenities including a gym, pool and lounge on the 19th floor will be available. There is also c.8,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and c.12,300 sq. ft. of new office space.
Merano Residences, also due for completion in 2017, will be formed of three coloured, stepped bays ranging from 14-28 storeys. Comprising 40 residential apartments, Merano has a residents' roof garden as well as c.9,000 sq. ft. of new office space and c.1,000 sq. ft. of café.
ENDS
For additional press information, please contact stjames@luchfordapm.com at LUCHFORD APM or call +44 (0)20 7631 1000
Notes to editors:
About St James
St James was established in 1996, originally as a joint venture with Thames Water. Over the past fifteen years, the company has established a reputation as a design conscious developer which continues to regenerate sites and transform them into attractive developments whose design not only creates desirable places to live, but also has a positive impact on the environment.
St James is a member of The Berkeley Group, an acknowledged leader in the delivery of major UK urban regeneration schemes. The Group has been responsible for shaping much of the modern development along central London's riverside, replacing former industrial areas with vibrant places to live, work and play. Dedication to quality and design is matched by a commitment to the communities the company helps create, and to the environment as a whole.