Housing association Peabody and partners Berkeley Group have completed 77 much-needed affordable homes at 250 City Road in Islington.
Peabody will be leasing 314 affordable homes from Berkeley, who led the construction of 933 new homes here. This includes 132 social rent, 170 shared ownership and 14 supported living homes.
The 77 new homes make up the final social rented block in the development’s second phase and will be ready to move into in the coming weeks.
The new neighbourhood is based around a central plaza with cafes, restaurants and shops. Public art installations will be dotted throughout, the first of which is now in place by renowned sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, who famously produced the sculpture of Princess Diana in Kensington Gardens.
250 City Road will be home to new, flexible commercial spaces, affordable workspaces and a hotel. Residents and the wider community will also benefit from more than 1000 sqm of newly landscaped wi-fi enabled green spaces.
It will be an eco-friendly environment with abundant green spaces where wildlife can thrive. Mature trees have been carefully planted, along with an array of flora to enhance the local ecology. Three bat boxes have also been installed to provide the nocturnal creatures with a safe habitat.
The high-quality homes are spacious, with several family-sized properties available. Residents will have access to an expansive green roof with views across the city.
The homes will be served by an on-site energy plant room, which will supply the entire neighbourhood efficiently while reducing energy waste and reducing carbon emissions. The partners have also connected to the local district heating system and used a high efficiency building fabric for the outside walls to help conserve energy.
To encourage healthy and active lifestyles, 1,483 secure cycle stands have been installed across the scheme. There are also excellent transport links. Located in a prime Zone 1 location, 250 City Road sits between Angel and Old Street, just five minutes from King’s Cross station.
Berkeley worked closely with the London Borough of Islington’s iWork and Youth Employment Partnerships team to create an apprenticeship programme for 250 City Road. They also engaged with local schools and colleges to encourage under 18s to take up an apprenticeship.
In total, 48 local apprentices helped construct the homes — working in a variety of roles such as trades and management. They received dedicated training along the way and the programme is helping local people gain new skills, and a pathway to a new career in construction.
James McMylor, Regional Managing Director for London North at Peabody, said: “Thanks to our partners at Berkeley, 77 much-needed new homes have been built for local people in Islington. And together, we’ve already delivered 135 of 312 affordable homes for local people of the highest quality.
“250 City Road has so much to offer, and its fantastic location connects residents to the rest of London and beyond. Our new residents have already begun viewing homes and we’re looking forward to welcoming them in just a few weeks’ time.”
Brian McKenzie, Divisional Managing Director of Berkeley North East London, commented: “Berkeley is committed to delivering thriving communities, and to creating places suited to all lifestyles. 250 City Road is an exceptional offering and we’re thrilled to include a significant proportion of affordable housing within this development. As well as providing an array of open space on site which mean residents can live, work and relax within the development, 250 City Road is just a few minutes’ walk from the global brands of Tech City and the dining, hospitality and retail opportunities of Old Street, Islington and Clerkenwell.”
