Urban artwork marks start of residential scheme

Work is underway on Highbury Gardens, a major new £29 million residential scheme in Islington.

Urban development and investment company, First Base and contractor, Mansell were joined at an event to celebrate construction work starting by partners the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Southern Housing Group.

In a new take on the traditional ground-breaking ceremony First Base commissioned renowned graffiti collective, Graffitikings, to create an urban art installation during the event. Inspiration for the commemoration of the milestone came from a successful graffiti mural created in 2008 alongside the hoarding of the development.

Elliott Lipton, managing director, First Base said: “This development will play a major role in the wider regeneration of the local community. We wanted to make a bold statement about the progress of this important housing project and felt that graffiti would provide a powerful and artistic way to do this while also celebrating the rich diversity and urban environment of Holloway Road.

“This progress achieved with this scheme is a great example of how effective collaboration can deliver much-needed new homes in the capital. Now more than ever it’s important that the private and public sectors continue to work in partnership to maintain momentum in the current market.”

Once complete, Highbury Gardens will provide 119 one, two and three-bedroom homes, including 62 homes for key workers being delivered with the HCA, the national housing and regeneration agency. Of these 52 will be owned by affordable housing partner, Southern Housing Group, providing a mix of tenures to meet local housing needs. Affordable workspace for local businesses will also be incorporated within the scheme as part of the First Base’s commitment to supporting the wider community.

David Lunts, London regional director at the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “This scheme is hugely significant for the borough of Islington as it will provide 119 high-quality, affordable homes and contribute to the ongoing improvements to Holloway Road.

“The effective partnership between the public and private sector is enabling the delivery of essential new homes in line with local needs alongside affordable workspace. It’s great to see how our funding is having a positive impact on the community.”

Designed by internationally renowned architect Porphyrios Associates, the scheme is set to revive the traditional London mansion block concept with a modern architectural twist. It will include a private landscaped garden and a number of sustainability features to reach a minimum Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 for each home, while also meeting industry standard Secured by Design.

A number of modern construction methods are being used in the development of Highbury Gardens, including modular bathrooms, off-site production techniques and waste limitation. Alongside these, energy efficiency measures such as solar thermal panels producing domestic hot water and heating for residents, and whole house ventilation within the homes, will ensure ambient conditions are maintained without the need for a large central plantroom. These energy efficient units allow individual control of ventilation within the apartment, maximising heat recovery and utilising low energy motors, with individual heat exchangers providing remote system monitoring and billing of heat and hot water usage.

Ed Morgan, managing director – London Special Projects, Mansell said: “The use of innovative modern methods of construction in the development of this scheme, combined with traditional skills and materials, will ensure the delivery of high-quality, well-designed homes on time and on budget. Incorporating leading sustainability credentials will also allow residents to lead greener lifestyles and benefit from reduced energy bills.”

The HCA is playing a key role in delivering the affordable homes at Highbury Gardens by providing Southern Housing Group with a £4.83 million social housing grant allocation. It approved additional funding support of £3 million for the scheme through its London Board in March 2009.

Using section 106 funds First Base and Mansell will be employing local people to work on site, which will also be built in line with ‘Considerate Constructors’ guidelines. First Base will also be improving the pavement to Holloway Road through widening, repaving and payment to TfL for a new bus stop. Financial contributions have also been made to the local authority for improvements to Highbury Fields, Highbury Corner, and St Mary Magdalene Churchyard. Completion is expected in summer 2011.