Dolphin Living acquired the Mount Close Estate in 2016 from the mayor of London鈥檚 Office for Policing & Crime (MOPAC). Since then, Dolphin Living has invested in a programme of planned maintenance and refurbishment, including new kitchens, bathrooms and roof repairs.
However, the estate, which was built in the 1950s, currently has what Dolphin Living calls 鈥渁 sub-optimal design鈥�.
The proposal involves the refurbishment and enhancement of the entire estate. The 138 net-additional homes, 50% of which will be let at a discount to market rent, will fund the refurbishment works to 29 of the existing homes as well as other estate enhancements, such as landscaping and improved security. Residents who were living on the estate when Dolphin purchased the homes in 2016, all of whom pay a discounted rent, will be offered a new or refurbished home on the estate once complete.
The new homes, designed by architect Bell Phillips, will be delivered through a mixture of new infill development, including a new mews street, and through an additional storey being added above some existing blocks. As part of the refurbishment works, thermal and energy efficiency, external facades and access will be improved, taking the homes from their existing EPC ratings of between C to E up to a target of B.
Additional sustainability enhancements included within the proposal are exhaust air heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels on new roof surfaces. The decision to retain and refurbish 70% of the existing homes on the estate has also resulted in a 19% carbon saving compared to a full demolition and redevelopment approach.
Dolphin Living is also targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating for the refurbished homes.
It is also proposing to enhance the public realm, with landscaping and new amenity space, including two new community squares and two new communal gardens.
Dolphin Living chief executive Olivia Harris said: 鈥淧roviding affordable housing for working Londoners is at the core of Dolphin Living鈥檚 purpose. That鈥檚 why we chose to purchase the Mount Close Estate back in 2016 and since then have been continuing to invest in it while also drawing up proposals for a more significant enhancement and expansion of the estate. Those living on the estate are central to our plans and we have taken on their feedback in creating our vision for the future of the estate. This includes new homes and the comprehensive refurbishment of the existing ones, along with proposals to dramatically improve the public realm and setting of the estate.
"All those living at Mount Close in 2016, when Dolphin purchased the estate, will be offered a new or refurbished home at a discounted market rent. This has been encapsulated within our now submitted planning application, which we look forward to being determined in due course.鈥�
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
