14 CASE STUDY
and masterplanning with the technical issues across the site.” This included responding to site levels, which varied significantly from front to back. Resolving the levels using the building typologies also allowed for increased parking. The creation of an entrance to the site, and taller elements along the main arterial road, responded to Bexley Council’s requirement for a clear “gateway” to Erith town centre, that would give the new development a “sense of address”. Nicholls said that it was also important to design a “tenure blind” development across the houses and apartment blocks to integrate affordable housing with private housing.
TENURE MIX
According to Nicholls, the mix of tenures has been determined to “maximise social integration and local desirability” for an estate which had previously had “signifi- cant issues” with lettings and anti-social behaviour. “We have worked with Orbit to ensure that there is no aesthetic distinction of tenure by finish, specification, materials, elevational treatment or location,” he explained. “A complete redesign was undertaken from earlier concepts to ensure the project’s buildability, best value and compliance with requirements.” Following the success of the redesign
and working relationships on Phase 1, Wates reappointed the same design team to Phase 2, where work is nearing practical completion. Once Phase 2 is completed, seven tower blocks will have been replaced with 587 new homes, housing around 2,000 people.
THE HOMES
Both the houses and apartments at Erith Park have been designed to a high specifi- cation, to provide each home with sufficient light and a contemporary style, as well as many essential features as standard. All the apartments feature a fully decked and glazed balcony, and the houses include turfed rear gardens with patio areas, close boarded fence panels, and a water butt and garden shed.
“WE HAVE LED A FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, INVOLVING AND LISTENING TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND KEEPING RESIDENTS FULLY INFORMED DURING THE DEVELOPMENT”
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All homes at Erith Park are protected by a 10 year NHBC warranty, with high levels of security, safety and energy efficiency. While all these homes have been meticu-
lously designed on the interior, the focal point of the first phase of Erith Park are the home zones – areas which are designed to predominantly meet the need of residents and pedestrians. “They are well established in the Netherlands,” he said, “but this is the first one in Bexley.” “In this case, we used coloured tarmac, striking landscaping and interesting street furniture to signal to drivers that they are entering a community area.” During the planning process, when planners suggested
the removal of the home zone, the Resident Core Group intervened to support the design concept. “A number of ‘playing out days’ were also held to encourage new residents to meet each other, and children to play outside.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community was an important factor in the design of Erith Park, as Nicholls explains: “In partnership with Orbit, we listened to the local community’s needs to ensure authentic place making. This included creating community spaces where children and local residents could come together and play. “We have led a full range of community engagement, involving and listening to the local community and keeping residents fully informed during the development.” As part of this, the developer implemented a Community Benefits Programme, based on the four main themes of Pride, Participation, Skills and Quality of Life. He continued: “Our principal objective was to build a community and enhance the life chances of local residents. Our commit- ments under this programme included investing in education, skills and training opportunities for local residents, organising community events to mark key milestones, and enhancing the much-loved ‘Dell Nature Reserve’ area.” Among the programme, the developer commissioned community art for the new neighbourhood, developed a self-guided tour of the area called ‘Walk the Talk’, hosted a demolition event - including the making of an award-winning video (The Ballad of Larner Road), provided training and short courses for 86 NEET residents and workers, site learning visits and workshops for 186 students, employed 31 apprentices, 13 new entrant and long-term unemployed construction workers and ex- offenders as part of the Changing Paths programme, as well as spending £20,000 on site with social enterprises.
ECOLOGY
Outdoor areas were landscaped and enhanced with artworks include benches specially sculpted by artist Will Jordan, and an entrance feature sculpture commis- sioned from Howare Boycott, which will be installed once the development is completed. Climbing structures have been included, and a number of “natural resources.”
Residents were given their say in the design of ‘The Dell’ Nature Reserve and its future development and management. The green space was the first part of Erith Park to be completed, and the land is protected from development due to the numerous nesting birds and insects living there together with bats, rabbits and hedgehogs.
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