Make Architects’ scheme for the Nine Elms jigsaw could be a step closer to development this week as landowner National Grid has begun the hunt for a residential development partner for its ‘Battersea Gardens’ site.
The 2ha gasholder site is a major regeneration opportunity in the Nine Elms Opportunity Area. Bounded by Prince of Wales Drive to the south, which acts as the main vehicle and pedestrian access, the site will link the important Nine Elms schemes planned to the east with the existing communities to the west when redeveloped.
National Grid has worked with Make and a wider consultant team over a number of years to prepare the site for redevelopment. A masterplan has been produced to establish a broad set of development principles to form the basis of any development going forwards. The future scheme will be expected to maximise the potential offered by the site by delivering homes, offices, shops and community facilities such as a gym, crèche, cafes, bars and restaurants and include extensive public realm improvements including a series of public courtyards and gardens.
Frank Filskow, Partner at Make said: “The Battersea Gardens site forms a key part of the Nine Elms Opportunity Area Planning Framework. Taken together, this opportunity is the largest single area for regeneration in central London since Canary Wharf. As one piece of the jigsaw, our masterplan has taken into consideration the wider area as well as the fabulous and rare opportunity for a truly wholescale sustainable development. We are looking forward to taking this working relationship forward with any future development partner.”
Jim Moore, JV Manager at National Grid said: “This site has the potential to deliver a truly sustainable development, providing a significant quantity of valuable employment uses and a large number of affordable and private homes in the heart of London. Key to bringing this forward will be the demolition of the gasholders and public consultation has already commenced to set this in motion.”
Together with Drivers Jonas Deloitte and Local Dialogue, Make and National Grid have worked extensively with the Wandsworth Local Development Framework and other stakeholders to ensure the proposals for the mixed use regeneration scheme realise the Local Authority and GLA’s ambitions for Nine Elms.
