National developer, Wates Residential, has been appointed to build phase one of London Borough of Camden Council’s mixed-use Abbey Area Redevelopment.
The contract will include the construction of 75 homes for private sale, 66 homes for affordable rent, 10 wheelchair adapted units, additional retail and commercial spaces and a 52-space underground car park.
Forming part of the council’s 15-year Community Investment Programme, the new development will be located at Abbey Road and Belsize Road in Kilburn and adds to improved services and new housing in the borough.
Wates recently completed £4m of enabling works on the site and has now commenced the main work on site. The project is being delivered over a 98-week build programme.
The appointment comes just one month after Wates announced its intentions to expand its presence in the new-build housing sector and builds upon the developer’s project base in Greater London.
The growth of the developer’s project portfolio has also seen the expansion of its southern team, with the appointment of Glen Roberts as project director and Michelle McSorley as community investment advisor.
Wates’ current projects include the extensive regeneration of Erith Park in the London Borough of Bexley on behalf of Orbit and Network Homes’ £48m Thrayle House development in Stockwell, South London.
Throughout the Abbey Area Redevelopment project, Wates has made a pledge to create training and employment opportunities for local people as well as appointing local suppliers and sub-contractors.
Paul Nicholls, regional managing director of Wates Residential, said: “Camden Council’s major investment programme sets out a very clear strategy for the improvement of services and housing, and our appointment to facilitate these ambitious plans is a huge testament to our reputation as a trusted and expert developer.
“As we look to grow Wates Residential’s market presence we are continuing our focus on harnessing the most effective and efficient ways to address the south’s urgent need for new homes, a commitment that will be integral to our role in the Abbey Area Redevelopment project.”
Councillor Phil Jones, cabinet member for regeneration, transport and planning at Camden Council, said: “The Abbey Area development will form an important part of our Community Investment Programme, our fifteen year plan to build over 3,000 new homes, including 1,400 affordable homes, and invest in schools and children’s centres in Camden. The development will help us deliver the mix of housing needed to retain our diverse communities amidst the London-wide housing crisis.”
