PRESS RELEASE    

 

14 July 2006

FIRST BASE SIGNS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH EAST THAMES GROUP

 

First Base, the residential-led urban regeneration developer, has signed a Development Agreement with East Thames Group to deliver its new headquarters in Stratford, East London.  The £18 million, mixed-use development will be delivered by First Base with construction company Laing Rourke under a joint venture agreement.

The new East Thames headquarters at West Ham Lane will be a 100,000 sq. ft. mixed-use development that is imaginatively designed by Fletcher Priest Architects.  It exemplifies the First Base development approach that aims to transform urban spaces using best practice design and construction principles.

Steven Evans, Director at First Base said, ńFirst Base is committed to creating buildings and environments that fit seamlessly into the local community.  We aspire to create flexible, sustainable and mixed-use developments to an extremely high standard and we are delighted to be able to deliver this with East Thames Group.

The new development will bring together 750 staff in one purpose-built location in the heart of the Housing Group's projects in East London and will provide significant operational efficiencies for East Thames' expanding business.  It will also benefit from opportunities provided by the new rail link and surrounding developments.

In keeping with First Base ideology, the building footprint will make a positive impact on the surrounding environment.  It will follow the geometry of the site at the lower three levels, with a cubic volume stepping back at 3rd floor level - respecting the scale of the existing streetscape and creating a large roof terrace. The configuration also creates a rational, flexible office space, and a building that is sustainable and efficient to operate.

The faŁades explore a mix of glazed, perforated and solid surfaces, each faŁade having a character suited to its immediate context; some have solar shading, others have devices to minimize overlooking or introduce solidity. At ground level the building engages the street with a vibrant elevation including a cafŚ, marketing suite, reception and client areas.

Waterman Partnerships will be responsible for the structural engineering and services for the development. Davis Langdon has been appointed Cost Consultant and the project is due for completion in Winter 2007.

 

-ENDS-

 

For further information please contact:          

Jessica Gooch / Catherine Greenwood          

Tel: 0207 908 6447                                               

Email jgooch@lexispr.com / cgreenwood@lexispr.com

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 

FIRST BASE

Transforming Urban Spaces and Building Communities

First Base is the residential-led urban regeneration developer that creates stylish homes in great urban spaces.

„      It transforms the way that properties are built - using best practice modern construction methods that keep costs low yet quality high, embrace sustainability and ensures value for money.

„      It transforms the way that communities are formed - with a mix of tenures, a range of homes, a commitment to high quality management and services that make friends of neighbours.

„      And it transforms the way that style meets function - with attractive designs, inside and out, that do more than simply look good.

Designed by renowned architects, built by skilled craftspeople, managed by experts, First Base homes are quality, sustainable properties for purchase or rental.

First Base is currently involved in a range of projects that will deliver mixed tenure housing in London and the south east:

„      selected as a Development and Management partner with English Partnerships as part of the  London-Wide Initiative First Base is working on five sites which will deliver over 1,000 homes, in London, which has already started at Adelaide Wharf in Shoreditch.

„      working with Blackstone / Generation in a development and construction management role on the KX200 regeneration project in Kings Cross to deliver a mixed-use scheme comprising predominantly affordable student accommodation to over 850 students.

„     selected as 1 of the 4 private sector organisations to participate in the Housing Corporations New Partnerships in Affordable Housing Pilot. The scheme is intended to create a wider market for the delivery of mixed tenure homes as well as develop a new competitive framework for the Housing Corporation's investment programme.

„      selected as a development and delivery partner to East Thames Group to implement their ambitious housing plans in London.

„      in partnership with Lend Lease, First Base have been selected by the London Borough of Newham for the regeneration of Canning Town and Custom House, and are one of three short listed for the £1.5bn  regeneration of Elephant and Castle.

For further information please visit www.firstbase.com