Countryside, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, Build to Rent provider Simple Life London, Network Homes and the Department for Education have celebrated a key milestone at the Ark Soane development as the residential building topped out.
The event marked the completion of the concrete frame ahead of the expected overall completion in March 2023.
The mixed-use development in Acton, West London, comprises 116 high-quality homes and a new 1,200-pupil secondary school, Ark Soane Academy, which opens later this year.
The topping-out ceremony was attended by key figures and stakeholders of the development, including Simple Life London representatives Stuart Churchward and Steven Brewster, as well as Jamie Wilding and Andrew Watson from Countryside, to celebrate the significant milestone in the construction of the multi-million-pound development.
On behalf of Simple Life London, Stuart Churchward, development director for Sigma, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this major milestone at Ark Soane. We’re very excited about this scheme, marking the third Simple Life London location and our first development to the West of the city. Countryside and Sigma have been working together since 2006 and have delivered over 5,500 BTR homes across the UK. It’s great to see our partnership continue to go from strength to strength. We’re really looking forward to offering a high-quality rental option, matched with a professional service, to the people of Acton.”
Daniel King, managing director, West London & Thames Valley, Countryside, said: “Following the start of construction last August, we are proud to have made swift progress on these high-quality new homes. This topping out ceremony signifies the partnership working that is making the project a success, and we’re looking forward to completing these mixed-tenure homes next year.”
David Gooch, Network Homes executive director of development, said: “It’s great to see this fantastic development at Ark Soane reach an important milestone. We are pleased to be working with Countryside to provide twenty-one Affordable Homes for nominees of Ealing Council.’
Designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects, Ark Soane Academy will occupy the first three floors of the six to 12-storey building and use the surrounding grounds, which include a multi-use games area, sports hall and playgrounds. The rest of the building will be home to 113 apartments, and there will also be three separate townhouses.
Ninety-two apartments will be let and managed by the award-winning build-to-rent brand, Simple Life London. Each apartment will be fully furnished, and residents will benefit from Simple Life’s recognised high-quality, professional service. Residents can apply for the Simple Life London rental apartments early next year.
Of the remaining homes in the new development, 21 will be affordable, managed by Network Homes, and the three townhouses will be for open market sale by Countryside.
The new homes will be located close to Woodlands Park and Acton High Street and enjoy excellent transport links, including the recent opening of the Elizabeth Line at Acton Main Line Station. A sustainable energy centre utilising a Ground Source Heat Pump is also being delivered as part of the development.
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