Countryside wins north London estate revamp job

Countryside has pipped Bellway, Higgins and Lovells to secure a contract as development partner on the regeneration of a north London estate, which will deliver more than 400 homes.

The London borough of Waltham Forest has picked the Essex-based housebuilder to carry out the revamp of the Marlow Road estate in Walthamstow.

The scheme, designed by Stitch Architects, includes 150 affordable homes and flexible retail space around a new plaza and public square.

Countryside is working alongside local residents and stakeholders on the detailed design proposals which will be submitted for approval in spring 2015 with building works starting later in the year.

Countryside was chosen from a shortlist that also included Bellway Homes and Lovell Partnerships.

The shortlist was completed by two consortium made up of housing association Family Mosaic and Mulalley, and estate regeneration specialist Regenter working with Higgins.

Existing homes on the 1960s estate will be replaced with new dwellings.  A review carried out by the council in 2010 identified the estate, which suffers from poor pedestrian walkways and underused gardens, as a priority for investment.

Richard Cherry, chief executive of Countryside’s Partnerships division, said: “Our focus will be on bringing back traditional tree-lined streets that link well with the surrounding area, with active frontages providing well defined spaces for the neighbourhood to enjoy.”