St James Group Ltd, part of the Berkeley Group of companies, has agreed a deal with National Grid Property to redevelop the former Southall Gas Works site.
The strategic 80 acre site located within the London Borough of Ealing and adjacent to a future Crossrail station, benefits from Outline Planning Permission for the creation of up to 3,750 homes, together with 525,000 ft² (approx. 48,770 m²) of commercial and community floor space, a new primary school and significant areas of landscaped public realm and open amenity space.
The completed development is currently expected to be delivered over a 30 year period and generate over 1,000 permanent jobs, in addition to the several thousand that will be created during the course of construction.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "It is vital we utilize London's brownfield sites to provide the homes needed for our growing city. This commitment by St James Group, which will accelerate the delivery of 3,750 homes, is welcome news for the regeneration of the Southall Gas works site. This canal side area is ripe with potential not least ahead of the arrival of Crossrail later this decade."
Malcolm Cooper, Managing Director, National Grid Property, adds: "Our work at Southall is a great example of what National Grid Property is doing across the country to help regenerate disused sites and open them up for exciting redevelopment opportunities to help local communities thrive. Getting the site ready for redevelopment has required substantial investment and a great deal of work from us. We've spent a number of years preparing the site for redevelopment and liaised closely with the Greater London Authority during the process to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.
"Working with St James on Southall will help us meet our goal of being able to deliver 12,500 homes within Greater London. This is in line with the Government's agenda of regenerating former industrial sites to help create sustainable communities. The final result will not just be new homes, but a new community which will benefit Southall, the London Borough of Ealing, and London as a whole."
Tony Pidgley CBE, Chairman of Berkeley Group said: "I am delighted that through St James, Berkeley Group working in partnership with National Grid, is unlocking another key strategic regeneration area, continuing our role in being at the forefront of building much needed homes for Londoners".
Sean Ellis, Chairman of St James Group Ltd, comments: "I am genuinely excited by the prospect of St James working with National Grid and the key stakeholders to deliver a major new mixed use waterside scheme, with excellent transport links. We see this as an important site with many challenges and opportunities to deliver a mixed and balanced community with a strong sense of place".
Councilor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council adds: "This significant development will contribute to our ambitious plans to regenerate Southall, creating thousands of new homes and jobs. We are delighted that the western road on to the site will now be built, which was essential to the scheme to ease traffic congestion in the area. Given the tough economic climate it demonstrates the area's strength as a location in attracting much needed new investment in our community."
Councilor Ray Puddifoot, Leader of London Borough of Hillingdon, adds: "I am delighted that a reputable company like the St James Group are taking forward this development, I look forward to working with them".
Source: Berkeley Group
