FIRST BASE GETS THE GREEN LIGHT FOR ISLINGTON SCHEME
- Plans approved for regeneration of derelict site on Holloway Road -

PLANS for a new mixed-use scheme in the centre of Islington have been given the go ahead this week. Located on the site of the former Mann & Overton Taxi showroom, the scheme by urban development and investment company, First Base, will blend traditional architecture with contemporary design to transform the derelict site and bring much needed affordable housing to the area.

Designed by renowned architects Porphyrios Associates , chosen architects of the Princes Foundation, the scheme will provide 119 one, two and three bedroom apartments built around a new landscaped garden. First Base's development will also provide a boost for the local community, generating employment opportunities through the construction phase of the project, as well as the creation of new retail and commercial space at ground level.

Developed under English Partnerships' London Wide Initiative (LWI), the scheme will consist of    43% affordable homes for Key Workers and socially rented apartments, meeting huge demand in the borough for more affordable housing.

Elliot Lipton, Managing Director of First Base, comments, "Our aim with this project has always been to create a scheme that responds to the local context, and we look forward to delivering truly affordable, quality homes to Holloway Road.  

"The location and nature of the site has enabled us to bring together more traditional design concepts with fresh architectural ideas. The vision which we have created is a modern London mansion block fit for the 21st century and we believe we have achieved something which really captures the streetscape of Islington."

The new development is set to achieve the 'EcoHomes Excellent' rating, made possible by a range of initiatives including the installation of solar thermal panels to achieve Islington's 20% on site renewable energy target, excellent recycling   facilities for residents, energy efficient appliances and low energy lighting, as well as dual flush toilets and spray taps to reduce water consumption.

Eleanor Purser, Senior Regeneration Manager, English Partnerships, said, "We believe that this scheme will be a real asset to Holloway Road and a great opportunity for key workers to live in Islington. The benefits of the scheme will be felt by the whole community, not only the residents of this new development.   We are now looking forward to working with our partners to bring this project to fruition."

Demetri Porphyrios of architects, Porphyrios Associates, adds, "This scheme has been designed with quality of life and the environment in mind. The traditional appearance of the building will ensure that it fits seamlessly into the local environment. Our aim with this project has been to create something that will not only enhance the lives of the residents but also invigorate the overall streetscape of Holloway Road itself."

Demolition is due to commence autumn 2008.   Construction work on the scheme is set to begin in early 2009, with completion scheduled summer 2010.

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• It transforms the way properties are built - using innovative construction methods which keep costs low yet quality high
• It creates sustainable communities for all - a mix of tenures and long term management, encouraging friends to become neighbours
• It transforms the way style meets function - building thoughtfully designed, high quality homes that do more than simply look good
• It creates innovative mortgage solutions for home ownership to provide affordable housing for all

The company was included in the RIBA 'Top 50 Clients' survey for its innovative approach to quality design, using renowned architects including, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, AHMM and Fletcher Priest for a range of projects across the capital.

First Base is also a founding member of the UK Green Building Council. The organisation, launched in the Spring of 2007, aims to provide leadership and cohesion to the UK Green building movement, provide a single, powerful pan-industry voice to Government, facilitate knowledge sharing and spread best practice and raise the international standing of UK industry.

For further information please visit www.firstbase.com

ENGLISH PARTNERSHIPS

English Partnerships is the national regeneration agency helping the Government to support high quality sustainable growth in England by creating well-served mixed communities where people enjoy living and working. In collaboration with the Housing Corporation, the Academy for Sustainable Communities and Communities and Local Government we are establishing the new Homes and Communities Agency that will begin operating in 2009. Information on projects and programmes can be found at www.englishpartnerships.co.uk

The London-Wide Initiative (LWI) is a government-backed scheme managed by English Partnerships which enables key workers to buy their own home.   English Partnerships has purchased a range of 15 development sites across inner and greater London to deliver new, affordable homes in collaboration with the Housing Corporation. Under the Initiative, the government shares the costs and the benefits of homeownership with purchasers in order to make these homes more affordable.

The Initiative will deliver up to 4,500 homes over the next five years of which around 1,500 will be affordable homes for key workers. Three development partners have been selected to work in partnership with English Partnerships to deliver homes through the London-Wide Initiative; First Base, Key London Alliance and a consortium led by Countryside Properties plc.