Construction on a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in West Ham has started, kicking off Berkeley Group's 26.2 hectare TwelveTrees Park development.
The first phase of construction work is focused on Evergreen Point, which will provide 205 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Construction will also begin on a new entrance for West Ham station, due to complete in 2023 it will provide residents with direct access to the station, the development's community hub and landscaping around Evergreen Point.
Berkeley has set out ambitious sustainability goals for the construction process. At least 95 per cent of the waste generated will be recycled while 100 per cent of timber will be sourced from sustainably managed forests. On site remediation will also enable over 40,000m3 of soil to be reused on site rather than sent to landfill. All the carbon emissions generated from onsite construction will be monitored and offset via verified carbon offsetting schemes, to enable the site to be carbon positive. Modular construction and off-site solutions will also be considered where possible, in order to make the build programme as efficient as it can be.
The construction of TwelveTrees Park is set to create a range of new employment opportunities in the local area over the coming years. At its peak, construction will involve more than 1,000 staff working on site - with 8,000 jobs created in total during the construction process and over 250 apprenticeships offered on site. Stringent social distancing measures will be implemented on site for the protection of staff, in line with government guidance and Berkeley's own safety policies.
TwelveTrees Park will ultimately deliver more than 3,800 new homes in the area, in addition to publicly accessible green spaceswhich deliver a net gain for biodiversity, a new community centre, a retail and leisure quarter and a new base for the East London Science School.
Supporting Newham Council's vision of building genuinely affordable homes for local people and combatting the borough's housing crisis, Berkeley is also working together with housing association Peabody to deliver 40 per cent on-site affordable housing, including shared ownership opportunities.
Justin Tibaldi, divisional managing director at Berkeley Homes (Capital), commented: "TwelveTrees Park is a vital part of the revitalisation of East London, and we're delighted that construction is now underway. Our approach is to adopt best practice every step of the way and we aim to be world-class when it comes to sustainability, delivering this vital scheme in a way which is carbon positive, as well as providing a development which brings lasting community benefits.
"This will bring new facilities for TwelveTrees Park residents and the wider community, deliver a network of beautiful public spaces in the heart of London and provide affordable housing and shared ownership opportunities."
The first homes, at Evergreen Point, are due to be completed and ready for occupation by 2024.
Prices start from £460,000. Visit www.TwelveTreesPark.london for more information. The sales suite is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm with a late-night opening on Thursday until 8pm and Sundays 10am-4pm. While social distancing restrictions remain in place, visits to the Sales & Marketing Suite are by appointment only; call 020 3925 6192 to book an appointment. The sales and marketing suite is located on Manor Road, E15 3FQ, a short walk from West Ham station.