Last week, Wates and Riverstone held a ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the structural completion of a later living residence, Riverstone Bishops Avenue.
The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Barnet, the Barnet Education and Learning Service, Barnet & Southgate College and also BOOST, who work with the council and other providers to help local residents into work. Speeches were given by Wates Chairman Tim Wates, Mark Craig, Regional Director, Wates Construction London, Penny Hughes, Chairman, Riverstone and Martin Earp, Chief Executive Officer, Riverstone.
Once complete, Riverstone Bishops Avenue will provide 93 apartments across six stories, the development will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses for over 65s, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The development has an Arts & Crafts inspired design and is located within an ancient woodland setting.
At Riverstone, residents continue to live independently in their own apartment, with a thriving cultural calendar, world-class amenities and 24/7 Concierge, plus health support and care through selected expert partners. At Bishops Avenue, the amenities include a Pool & Spa with Treatment Rooms, an Exercise Studio, Physiotherapy Suite, Espresso Bar, Restaurant & Bar, Cinema, Ballroom, Club Room, Library, and extensive woodland gardens, designed by landscape gardener, Andy Sturgeon.
The property, created by Architects, RG+P and Interior Designers, Bowler James Brindley, will present as a historic mansion house with brick detailing, arched windows, turrets and decorative chimneys, all using crafted traditional materials, while inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement and local references.
The design targets a net zero operational carbon plan, with sustainability and modern methods of construction at the forefront. Innovative sustainable solutions such as water efficient fixtures, low energy lighting, and the use of low carbon materials throughout the building are to be incorporated. Renewable energy generation will be promoted via bio-solar roof panels, with electric vehicle charging stations, heat recovery technology, and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.
Through this project, Wates has offered nine apprenticeships, two of which have been with local Barnet residents, 10 job placements, and seven longer-term employment opportunities, fostering community growth in the area. Wates is also providing 24 work experience opportunities to equip individuals with the skills and confidence for future success in the construction sector. In total, nine Barnet residents have been employed so far on the project and Wates has supported 393 local students with education activities, including assemblies and workshops.
Wates is on target to spend over £150k with social enterprises and has purchased all site furniture from Rype, a social enterprise, which employs people who are long-term unemployed with disabilities.
Mark Craig, Regional Director for Wates Construction London said: “It was a pleasure to be in Hampstead to celebrate the structural completion of this project. At Wates, we take pride not only in the quality of our work but also in making sure that everything we do has a positive impact on the communities we serve. I’m delighted that at the ceremony we were joined by the Mayor of Barnet, a local year 10 student who did a work experience placement here, and by so many of the social enterprises who have worked alongside us on this project.”
Martin Earp, Chief Executive, Riverstone, commented: “The milestone completion of the structure is a proud moment for Riverstone and our construction partners, Keltbray & Wates, and the ceremony today was a great opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of all those who are working on the project and the close successful collaboration.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to open the doors to Riverstone’s third residence, Bishops Avenue, responding to the growing demand for retirement communities. At Riverstone, we place community and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every resident can live independently, right in the heart of London.”
Header image: Penny Hughes, Riverstone Chairman and Timothy Wates, Wates Chairman lay the last piece of concrete at Riverstone Bishops Avenue Topping Out Ceremony.
