Client
William Sutton Homes
Services
- Architecture - Planning
- Working Drawings – for constructor InSpace Partnerships Ltd
- Project Management
- Employers Agent
- General Consultancy
Value
£13 million
Stage
Handed over and in defects liability period
This 1950s Stevenage Borough Council estate was experiencing anti-social behaviour and associated problems and in 2004 requested regeneration proposals from 4 RSLs.
William Sutton Homes commissioned Avebury Projects to act as architects and project managers to co-ordinate the bid; we designed a redevelopment scheme deliverable with a one-move option for all residents.
The WSH team was selected as running mate by the Council and residents in April 2004.
In addition to the conventional project management role, APL undertook the wider task of chairing the project team which included WSH, the architect, cost consultant, constructor and solicitors. APL also represented the client to negotiate the Development Agreement and land transfer details with the Council.
Following extensive resident consultation, the Planning Application was made in October 2004; the residents’ ballot in November produced an overwhelming “Yes” vote; Planning was granted in February 2005; land transferred in late March with a start on site in April.
A portion of the site was to be sold to achieve cross subsidy into the 140 affordable units. APL managed the tendering and disposal of this land to Crest Homes (South) Ltd.
Originally intended to be completed in 4 phases of affordable, plus the outright sale as Phase 5, careful management by APL of both the construction process and design enabled this to be reduced to 3 phases of affordable. Final handovers were achieved in February 2009 a year earlier than originally planned.
Throughout the process, APL was key to the project, working with the Council, client and end-users which has continued as we have fulfilled our roles as architects and project managers through the construction of the new homes.
This is a clear example of the integrated skills of APL combining to produce an outstanding result for the residents of the estate, the client and all other stakeholders.