One of Notting Hill Genesis’ major regeneration projects has claimed the top prize at two of the property industry’s most influential awards.
Royal Albert Wharf is a major new housing development in the Albert Basin at the east end of the Royal Albert Dock, Newham. The scheme has been named ‘Residential Project of the Year’ (London category) at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards (RICS), as well as claiming a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects award (London category) (RIBA).
Designed by Maccreanor Lavington Architects, and constructed by Galliford Try, phase one of Royal Albert Wharf includes 350 new high-quality mixed tenure homes within three blocks. More than 40% of the new homes are affordable (Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership) and as part of the regeneration a historic working pump house has been retained as a focal point of the development.
The extensive regeneration project is located on the site of the former IVAX Pharmaceuticals warehouse and offices. Phase one is a significant part of the wider Royal Docks regeneration that will ultimately provide over 1,500 new homes and commercial premises once complete.
Jake Brodetsky, Joint Venture Partnership Director for Notting Hill Genesis, said:
“We are extremely proud of Royal Albert Wharf and delighted to see it honoured with these two awards. At the time we purchased the site it was our largest ever and to see it grow into a wonderful new community for hundreds of households has been incredibly exciting for everyone involved.”
Stuart Brodie, Managing Director of Galliford Try Partnerships London, said: “As a leading regeneration business it is particularly pleasing and rewarding when the team’s hard work is recognised with such highly regarded awards, even more so when you consider the high calibre entries that we were up against. RICS and RIBA are two of the most esteemed bodies within the property and construction industry and their stamp of approval is true testament to the quality of our work at Royal Albert Wharf.”
What the judges said:
RICS:
“Situated in the heart of the Royal Albert Basin, phase one of Royal Albert Wharf is part of a superb phased development that will ultimately provide over 1,500 new homes and commercial premises as part of the wider Docklands regeneration. The development offers a unique residential setting and outstanding community amenities to an otherwise underused brownfield land and largely unpopulated part of East London.”
RIBA:
“The materials palette is friendly and timeless. Central courtyards are of a good scale, providing views from balconies, children’s play areas and greenery. Double height community spaces on the corners of the blocks provide life and activity. Inside, windows at the ends of communal corridors draw the eye along, giving light and a sense of location. And the homes themselves have large windows which allow light to flood into the large, useful spaces.”